November 16, 2017

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce supports the Province of Alberta’s plan to adopt a private retail model for selling cannabis.

This is the model the Chamber urged government to adopt, based on Alberta’s successful liquor system, which is overseen by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).

“Alberta’s entrepreneurs are ready, willing and able to take on the risks and rewards associated with developing this new industry,” said Janet Riopel, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. “We’re pleased the Province decided to let business do what it does best.”

The Edmonton Chamber analyzed data from Statistics Canada and found that Alberta’s privatized liquor system earns higher returns than Ontario’s public system.

“This is win-win-win: for business, for taxpayers and for government,” said Riopel. “A private retail model for cannabis will open up unprecedented business opportunities in this brand-new, multibillion-dollar industry. It will also give government additional revenue to help manage Alberta’s fiscal deficits and growing multibillion-dollar debt.”

“The Chamber supports an approach to legalization that balances risks and opportunities,” said Riopel. “Alberta’sproposed retail model, which includes a well-regulated private system, will ensure the economic benefits are realized while limiting the risks to employers, workers and the public.”

For more information, read our policy, Preparing Alberta for the Legalization of Cannabis.

Media contact:

Sheila Keenan
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Cell: 780-446-6264 |