Successful AGM, Strengthened Board, and Growing Membership Driving Cannabis Council of Canada

Cannabis Council of Canada AGM highlights a strengthened and seasoned board, an expanded and diverse membership, and an association positioned to drive industry success.

Ottawa, ON, December 20, 2021 –The Cannabis Council of Canada (“C3”) staged its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) online as COVID again scuppered plans for an in-person event. Hallmarks of the successful AGM included a strengthened and growing membership, the addition of four seasoned and diverse directors to the board, and engaging presentations from sector leaders on indigenous cannabis and provincial sales and distribution.

“C3’s year to year membership growth is an acknowledgement of our sector’s commitment to supporting the public health and safety objectives of cannabis legalization,” said George Smitherman, C3’s President and CEO. “Over the course of the past year, we have more than doubled the number of active participants in C3, reflecting the breadth, diversity, and regional footprint of Canada’s licenced processors and producers of cannabis and the dynamic ancillary sector servicing legal cannabis,” concluded Smitherman.

Four new members were appointed to the Board of Directors of C3. Tilray, one of C3’s Foundation Members, nominated Mr. Blair MacNeil (President of Tilray Canada) to be its representative to C3’s board. Also joining the board are Ashley Athill of HRVSTR, Jenn Larry of MTL Cannabis, and Michael Krestell of Dynaleo. “It’s rewarding to experience the evolution of C3’s board,” noted Chair Rick Savone, Aurora’s Senior Vice President of Global Government Relations. “These new members, along with our seven existing board members, will play a leadership role in C3’s efforts to collaborate with governments on improving the social and commercial prospects of Canada’s $17B GDP cannabis sector,” he concluded.

The AGM featured engaging presentations from Isadore Day, former Regional Chief of Ontario and a leading cannabis public policy influencer, and David Lobo, Interim President and CEO of the Ontario Cannabis Store. Mr. Day addressed indigenous participation in the cannabis sector and the alignment of environmental social and governance efforts (ESG) with reconciliation. Mr. Lobo underscored the OCS’ focus on combatting the illicit cannabis market while outlining the organization’s priorities for 2022 – infrastructure improvements designed to get innovative products to market, consumer choice and convenience, and consumer education. Mr. Lobo concluded by highlighting opportunities for collaboration on the Statutory Review of the Cannabis Act.

In his final remarks George Smitherman noted: “I can’t wait for next year’s AGM. The AGM is a measure of our association’s success, and I am hopeful that we can finally meet in person.” Smitherman concluded by encouraging all cannabis sector enterprises to focus on advocacy and relationship building. “Regulated industries like ours depend on relationships with MPs, so they can understand the impact of legislation on a localized basis. Make it your New Year’s resolution to reach out and meet an elected official or two.”

About the Cannabis Council of Canada

The Cannabis Council of Canada is the national organization of cannabis cultivation and processing licensees on record with Health Canada. C3’s mission is to act as a national voice for our members in the promotion of industry standards; support the development, growth and integrity of the regulated cannabis industry; and to serve as an important resource on issues related to the safe and responsible use of cannabis for medical and non-medical purposes.

Cannabis Council of Canada Board Membership

General and media inquiries can be directed to:

George Smitherman
President and CEO
george@cannabis-council.ca

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