Daniel Ribi

Lobbying to build upon the federal Finance Committee's (FINA) recommendation to reform the Excise Act, 2001 by transitioning from a weight-based excise duty model to a value-based framework for cannabis products. This reform aims to align taxation with the market value of products, promoting fairness and sustainability within the industry. Lobbying for the introduction of a tax credit for outdoor cannabis cultivators under the Excise Duties on Cannabis Regulations (SOR/2019-78). Recognizing the environmental benefits of outdoor cultivation, such as reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. HRC is proposing a tax incentive to encourage sustainable farming practices and combat illicit sales. This initiative aims to foster an eco-friendly cannabis industry while providing financial relief to producers committed to environmentally responsible cultivation methods. Excise Act, 2001 and related federal–provincial coordination agreements. The objective is to advocate for a reduction in the current excise duty rates for nicotine vaping.

Advocacy for measures to reduce the federal regulatory burden and streamline administrative processes for the legal cannabis sector to improve efficiency and support economic competitiveness. Advocating for a stronger role for federal economic development ministries (e.g., Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) in shaping cannabis policy and programs. The goal is to ensure the sector is integrated into national agriculture and industrial strategies, enabling access to innovation funding, export development programs, and regional economic growth initiatives. This includes modernizing policies to support competitiveness, sustainability, and international trade opportunities for the cannabis industry. Advocacy related to fair competition in the legal cannabis sector, including efforts to support balanced market rules and to prevent undue concentration. Advocacy related to the need to develop a national cannabis export strategy Advocacy for enhanced consumer education and improved packaging and labeling regulations to support informed purchasing, promote safety, and strengthen the legal cannabis market. Advocacy for revising THC limits on cannabis edibles to align with consumer demand and global standards, reducing the appeal of unregulated products and strengthening the legal market. Advocacy for changes to Canada's cannabis excise tax framework to support industry competitiveness, reduce the illicit market, and enhance public policy objectives of legalization. Representations to government, Parliamentarians, and public servants regarding cannabis legalization, regulation, policy development, and program initiatives in Canada.

Discussion concerning federal vaping product excise tax in annual budget implementation acts as it relates to enforcement, rate, and impact on stakeholders. Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 155, Number 25: Order Amending Schedules 2 and 3 to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (Flavours) Lobby efforts focus on flavour ban impact to small business, illicit market, and consumer behavior post ban based on lived experience.