OCPC Applauds Curbside Pick-Up and Online Delivery for Cannabis Retail Stores

(Toronto – April 9, 2020) – Today, Daniel Safayeni, Director of Policy at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Co-Chair of the OCC’s Ontario Cannabis Policy Council (OCPC) released the following statement:

“We are pleased that the government authorized cannabis retail stores to offer curbside pick-up and delivery of products purchased online or over the phone. Public health and safety are paramount – limiting access to legal cannabis could put people at risk of consuming potentially dangerous product through the illicit market.

“To facilitate a safe and smooth process, the OCPC has worked with its members to develop best practices to help guide and support independent retailers who are transitioning their operations to accommodate delivery and curbside pick-up options.

“This authorization strikes the right balance between protecting public health by combatting the illicit market and providing Ontarians with safe alternatives for consumption, while helping independent retailers and their employees maintain a revenue stream.

“We are pleased the Government of Ontario continues to respond and react swiftly with appropriate measures to support both businesses and workers during the pandemic.”

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About the Ontario Cannabis Policy Council
The Ontario Cannabis Policy Council (OCPC) is comprised of industry leaders and experts whose primary focus is addressing the key issues impacting Ontario’s adult-use cannabis industry. Following the release of the OCC’s report Supporting Ontario’s Budding Cannabis Industry, the Council’s primary focus is advocating for the industry’s growth across the province. The Council is co-chaired by Daniel Safayeni, Director of Policy, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Trevor Fencott, Chief Executive Officer, Fire & Flower Cannabis Co.

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Michelle Eaton
Vice President, Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
michelleeaton@occ.ca | 647-261-4594