Regulatory burden and limited access to capital are barriers to success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2022
(Lheidli T’enneh First Nation / Prince George, B.C.) – Participants attending the Economic Development Roundtable on August 24 organized by the BC Craft Farmers Co-op (BCCFC) in Prince George agreed the cannabis industry can create a significant number of sustainable jobs in the region if governments ease the sector’s regulatory burden and facilitate access to capital for small businesses.
Together with the Retail Cannabis Council of BC (RCCBC) and representatives from CFDC of Fraser Fort George, BCCFC invited approximately 40 northern BC craft farmers, processors, cannabis retailers, community, businesses and Indigenous leaders to meet, network and answer two questions:
- Does Northern BC have a unique opportunity to be a provincial and national leader in craft cannabis production and processing?
- If yes, what is the scale of this opportunity and what are the barriers to realizing this potential?
Read the backgrounder by clicking the button below for a general summary of responses and action items.
Participants also discussed the provincial government’s current labour dispute and the impact it was having on the sector, including the just-launched direct cannabis sales program.
Over the coming weeks, BCCFC will work with representatives from CFDC of Fraser Fort George and other local organizations that participated in the roundtable to develop an action plan that responds to participant feedback.
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Media Contact:
David Hurford, volunteer Secretary
info@bccraftfarmerscoop.com