Quebec’s monopoly REC retailer, the Société Québécoise du Cannabis, confirmed it will not carry vaping products when they enter the market next month.
MJ Biz Daily
- An SQDC spokesperson said, “in the light of many health problems recently discovered in the U.S., we’re uncomfortable with the idea of selling such products. “
- Last week, the US Centres for Disease Control linked VAPI to illicit thickening agent vitamin E acetate—which isn’t allowed in Canadian products.
- Quebec National Public Health Director Dr. Horacio Arruda did not agree, saying, “The cause of these illnesses remains indeterminate.”
Le Devoir—In French - The Canadian Medical Association called for a ban on all e-cigarettes.
CMAJ
The Quebec Cannabis Industry Association accused the Quebec government of “ignoring reality.”
NewsWire, Grizzle
- The Cannalysts compared Quebec’s REC retail approach to Alberta’s, and concluded by not following Alberta’s private REC lead, Quebec has lost $152M in economic activity, $12M in provincial sales tax, and $12M in excise tax.
Twitter—GoBlueCdn - The SQDC is interested in offering 24-hour delivery to consumers.
CTV News
Following several months of fruitless negotiations between the SQDC and the various unions accredited at 20 of the 30 SQDC stores, the Quebec labour minister named a special mediator to help secure the first collective agreement between the SQDC and its employees.
- The main issue of contention is salary. Wages for workers at the Société des Alcools du Québec, the provincial liquor organization, start at $20.46 per hour, while SQDC salaries start at $14.25.
Ici Radio-Canada—In French
