
Kahnawake Council called out on cannabis
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) must prevent cannabis dispensaries before it's too late, representatives of the 207 Longhouse demanded as hundreds of Kahnawa'kehró:non confronted Council chiefs outside the band office Wednesday.
The call to dismantle plans to introduce three privately run cannabis stores in Kahnawake, with money from a fee levied on non-Indigenous customers flowing back to the MCK, comes as a list of 14 applicants are under review ahead of a lottery to determine who will be permitted to open one of three dispensaries on the territory.
Those who are chosen stand to generate untold revenues from the sale of cannabis. Those who attempt to open unsanctioned dispensaries, on the other hand, would be liable for criminal charges, according to MCK chief Tonya Perron, who leads the portfolio.
According to Joe Deom, spokesperson for the Longhouse, which organized the protest, opponents of the plan have no faith that Council will be able to rein in the cannabis industry once it opens its doors on the territory.
'We understand that the band council is almost to the point of choosing who's going to have a dispensary of cannabis, and before that happens we want to nip it in the bud and prevent it from happening, because once they're in, it's harder to get rid of them,' said Deom.
'Even though they might authorize three dispensaries, the rest of the population here will take it upon themselves to put up their own shop, and there's no means that we can see that the band council can stop that from happening.'
He also cited fears around health and Kanien'kehá:ka cultural values in explaining the Longhouse's opposition to the plan.
While the approach to introducing the cannabis dispensaries to Kahnawake has been several years in the making, going back to when it first became clear the drug would be legalized in Canada, many Kahnawa'kehró:non have pointed to the uncontrolled proliferation of shops in Kanesatake since then as an illustration of their worst fears.
In Kahnawake's sister community, an unregulated cannabis industry has been marred by land grabbing, tree cutting, and fears that some shops have brought organized crime to the territory. In one case, a known gang affiliate, Arsène Mompoint, was murdered in broad daylight in front of the Green Room dispensary.
Just this weekend, residents of Kanesatake described being overwhelmed by an influx of thousands of outsiders attending parties at the scores of shops dotting Route 344 to celebrate 4/20 – the biggest day of the year for cannabis aficianados.
'What we don't want is our community to be overrun the way other communities are overrun by cannabis shops, and that brought in a lot of criminal elements to these communities, especially Kanesatake,' said Deom. 'That's what our main concern is.'
MCK chiefs have argued, however, that regulations and a local police force empower Kahnawake to ensure that the industry is safe and controlled here in town.
'We're in a very different situation than Kanesatake,' MCK grand chief Cody Diabo told the protesters.
When the crowd arrived at the MCK building on Wednesday morning on a march from the greenspace at the Golden Age, 10 Council chiefs were waiting to hear out the protesters, even as no promises were made to change course. Karihwakatste Deer and Kaherihshon Fran Beauvais read out a statement from the Longhouse.
Only Diabo addressed the protesters on behalf of the MCK, frequently receiving jeers from the crowd. He was also the only MCK chief to acknowledge, with a furtive hand raise, that he had voted for the plan, even as he declined to endorse it.
'I'm conflicted as well. I have my own opinions on it,' said Diabo, who suggested cannabis is already purchased on the territory, whether through unregulated transactions or by mail from the government-sanctioned seller.
'What's out there right now that people are consuming? They're going to Oka to get things. It's in the territory. People are selling,' he said.
Health and safety were top of mind for Council, he said, arguing that work to make the regime safe is why it has taken eight years to get to this point. An aspect of the plan, he noted, would be for prevention tools to be boosted by revenues from the sanctioned sale of cannabis.
Students were a major contingent at the protest, even during the middle of a school day.
Layla Phillips is a grade 11 Kahnawake Survival School (KSS) student and a member of the student council there.
'We walked here to make sure we made a statement, because we really truly believe in this, that it shouldn't be here. We don't need this here in Kahnawake. As a student body, we made a decision to come out,' said Phillips.
Phillips' twin and fellow KSS student, Anna Phillips, was also in attendance to show support for the cause. The pair estimated there is virtually no support for cannabis dispensaries among students at KSS.
'We don't want to look at our community and see non-Natives all over the place risking the safety of our children, our cousins, our family members, and having cannabis stores in the community just encourages people to come into it,' said Anna.
'Honestly, it hurts to know that people are so self-involved for something like that to allow it into the community to breach the safety of your family members,' Anna added. 'I want a community that we can be proud of and that's safe. Letting the cannabis stores in is going to hurt that.'
Speaking to Council, Deer argued that the $220 million lawsuit against the MCK by Magic Palace, which was shuttered after allegations of ties to organized crime, is a harbinger of things to come on the cannabis file.
'Our own community members are going to sue you, even though you think you're doing this right by making laws and regulations,' she said.
'You could say no right now, and you're choosing not to,' another community member shouted at Diabo. 'It's embarrassing.'
Community member Leith Mahkewa told the crowd that she visited the community she comes from over the weekend, describing what her 10-year-old said when they returned to Kahnawake.
'He said, 'Ista, look,' she said. 'You come into Kahnawake and it says 'Vapes, Vapes, Vapes,' just like back home where it says 'Weed, Weed, Weed,'' she said.
'It's shameful. It's embarrassing. And you're all going to be weeping and regretting and feeling guilty later on,' she said, adding the 'black snake' of the cannabis market will be impossible to control and that those in office will be responsible for the havoc it wreaks for generations.
'My concerns are for all the generations coming up, the young people now, even the young adults, all the younger ones, all the kids in the school, the generations to come,' said community member Eleanore Paul during the march.
'We have enough mind-altering substances going around already that we don't need the sale of this to come into our community and destroy the minds of our people.'
A referendum was broached by some at the protest, though many expressed opposition on the grounds that members of the Longhouse generally refuse to vote. Diabo acknowledged this fact and suggested, in any case, that this route has already been rejected by the community.
'I can't change what was in the past,' he said. 'A referendum was proposed at a community meeting of a previous Council, and they chose to go with the poll.'
One of the chiefs on the cannabis file, Jeremiah Johnson, was long opposed to the stores as a private community member prior to joining Council this term.
'I'm very proud of our community members for coming together and marching and showing that they have a voice and using that voice,' Johnson told The Eastern Door. 'I'm always very supportive of people protesting and voicing their concerns. That's what I'm very proud of most.'
He said Council will discuss the protest that transpired and how to move forward, and he said he will continue to argue for a halt.
'I've always argued to reverse course. Since I first came on Council, it was my opinion that I did not agree with the current direction the cannabis industry was going. I had attempted to call for referendum already. Only myself and one other Council member were in support of that referendum, so hopefully we can make a better argument for it now.'
Short of a change of direction, Johnson said he will do everything he can to try to make sure the industry is compliant with regulations aimed at community safety.
Former MCK chief Gina Deer, who worked on the cannabis file when it first began, was involved in the survey that helped inform the current direction of the cannabis plan. While she said that was the right choice at the time, after several intervening years, it may be time to reconsider.
'We were working with what at the time was the will of the people, but now here we are several years fast-forward, and I thought the mention of a referendum was a good idea because things do change, and Council has reversed things,' she said.
She also argued that if the plan moves forward as is, revenues that are generated by it must benefit the community in clear, tangible ways, unlike with gaming, she said.
Diabo downplayed the possibility of a referendum following the protest, but said it's possible things could change course in some way. 'Really at this point I'd say coin toss,' he said. 'I can't really give a definitive answer on that.'
Perron said that while the protest's message was clear, in 2018 Council was hearing a very different message from a different subsection of the community and that there continues to be a lot of disagreement about the best way forward.
'Their message was 'stay out of it, Council. We should be able to do this. We should be able to sell. It's our right,'' Perron said.
The current policy has grown out of taking into account voices from all sides while emphasizing a prudent approach that will protect the community, she said. She emphasized that her own views are irrelevant and that it is her role to try to represent the community's wishes, even when there is no consensus.
'That's what I've been trying to do for seven years is listen to everybody and ensure there's something that will at least provide for both health and public safety,' she said.
She also suggested that had Council not committed to developing a regulatory framework and providing licenses, a moratorium on cannabis stores may not have worked.
'I truly believe that if we hadn't done any of that, that our community might look different than it does today,' she said.
Perron said that regulation can help ensure a safe cannabis market in Kahnawake and said local authorities are equipped to clamp down on unlicensed shops that could pop up.
'If they have no license, the Peacekeepers will have no choice but to act accordingly because it would be an offence under the criminal law, which, we do apply the criminal law here,' Perron said.
Following the protest, Deom expressed hope that the MCK will be encouraged to heed the call to back down on dispensaries.
'They're not going to make a decision in front of us. They're going to go in, they're going to talk about it. We don't know what they're going to say,' said Deom, who suggested that if Council still decides to move ahead with welcoming cannabis dispensaries, the Longhouse will look at further actions.
The MCK has already begun licensing cannabis growers, but there is yet no date announced for the distribution of dispensary licenses. While the number of licenses is capped at three, the regulations on cannabis instruct that this maximum will be reviewed at least once a year.
marcus@easterndoor.com
Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Major Drilling Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Results as Activity Ramps Up
MONCTON, New Brunswick, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Major Drilling Group International Inc. ('Major Drilling' or the 'Company') (TSX: MDI), a leading provider of specialized drilling services to the mining sector, today reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025, ended April 30, 2025. Fiscal 2025 Highlights Q4 2025 Summary 'Fiscal 2025 marked a pivotal year for the Company, with the successful acquisition of Explomin Perforaciones ('Explomin') in November 2024, bolstering the foundation for a strong path toward further growth heading into fiscal 2026. As we move into the new year, there have been several positive indications with respect to exploration spending, most notably from the larger exploration budgets outlined by several of our senior customers in conjunction with their year-end results,' said Denis Larocque, President and CEO of Major Drilling. 'Market hesitation due to tariff-related economic uncertainty impacted performance during the quarter as several project startups were delayed. These programs ramped up through March and accelerated into April, resulting in some training, mobilization, and startup costs impacting our margins in fiscal Q4,' Mr. Larocque continued. 'While we prepare for a busier fiscal year, we remain proud of our top-tier safety record, as we achieved a TRIFR of 0.74 in fiscal 2025, the lowest in Company history. Our strong safety culture, along with our well-maintained fleet of rigs, strong levels of inventory, and experienced crews, all combine to solidify our position as an industry leader,' concluded Mr. Larocque. 'With a sharp increase in activity expected over the coming months, we spent $18.6 million on capex during the quarter. This included the addition of 7 new drill rigs, while we disposed of 4 older, less efficient rigs, bringing the total rig count to 708 at fiscal year-end. Our fourth quarter, and annual capex spend of $72.5 million, include the purchase of additional ancillary support equipment as well as the latest technology, including our Drillside GeoSolutions products and hands-free rod handlers in order to meet the rigorous standards of our senior customer base,' said Ian Ross, CFO of Major Drilling. 'In fiscal Q4, the Company generated $20.5 million in EBITDA, with startup and mobilization costs having a negative impact on margins, as previously discussed. The Company's balance sheet remains strong with net debt (see 'Non-IFRS measures') of $3.9 million and total available liquidity of $123 million,' concluded Mr. Ross. 'Looking ahead, given the sharp ramp-up in activity we experienced at the end of the fiscal year, we expect fiscal 2026 Q1 revenue to grow by approximately 20% relative to fiscal 2025 Q4 levels. With a year-over-year increase in exploration budgets outlined by several senior mining companies, combined with a slower start to the exploration season, this points to a promising outlook for the balance of the year. In contrast, junior miners continue to face challenges in securing funding, which seems to be improving as the year progresses, albeit at a slow pace. The growing demand for our services puts us in an optimal position for the upcoming year, as gold prices have reached record highs, while copper prices remain resilient, further reinforcing a positive outlook for the sector,' continued Mr. Larocque. 'Despite the pressing need to replenish mineral reserves for both gold and critical metals, exploration spending has not yet caught up to levels required to address this issue. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, global non-ferrous exploration budgets reached $12.5 billion in 2024, which is only 60% of the $21.5 billion spent at the peak of the last cycle in 2012 (non-inflation adjusted). The mining industry remains in the discovery phase and will need to undergo an intensive, multi-year exploration and infill drilling period to develop new mines and address the projected supply gaps in various commodities. Many of these new mineral deposits will be in challenging, hard-to-reach areas, necessitating complex drilling solutions and increasing the demand for Major Drilling's specialized services.' 'Our position as the leader in specialized drilling continues to be a factor in attracting business from senior companies, and we are proud to maintain the industry's largest, most modern fleet. To strengthen our leadership position in the industry, the Company expects to spend approximately $70 million in capital expenditures in fiscal 2026, including further investments to equip our rigs with the latest technology,' concluded Mr. Larocque. (1) See 'Non-IFRS Financial Measures' Fourth Quarter Ended April 30, 2025 Total revenue for the quarter was $187.5 million, up 11.6% from revenue of $168.0 million recorded in the same quarter last year. Excluding Explomin, revenue for the quarter would have been $149.9 million, down 11% from the same quarter last year. The favourable foreign exchange translation impact on revenue for the quarter, when compared to the effective rates for the same period last year, was approximately $5 million, with minimal impact on net earnings as expenditures in foreign jurisdictions tend to be in the same currency as revenue. Revenue for the quarter from Canada - U.S. drilling operations decreased by 21.1% to $58.8 million, compared to the same period last year due to a slow start to the quarter as many projects were delayed entering the new calendar year. As well, the junior market remained negatively impacted by a lack of access to capital. South and Central American revenue increased by 78.5% to $88.0 million for the quarter, compared to the same quarter last year. The Explomin acquisition was the main driver of growth in the region, however, the Chilean market also contributed positively to the quarter, which helped offset reduced activity in Argentina. Australasian and African revenue decreased by 7.7% to $40.8 million, compared to the same period last year. Project delays at the start of the calendar year negatively impacted revenue in the quarter. Gross margin percentage for the quarter was 14.8%, compared to 19.3% for the same period last year. Depreciation expense, totaling $15.0 million, is included in direct costs for the current quarter, versus $12.8 million in the same quarter last year. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes depreciation expense, was 22.8% for the quarter, compared to 26.9% for the same period last year. The decrease in margins relates to startup costs for projects that were delayed, as well as ramp-up costs for multiple projects in April. General and administrative costs were $20.9 million, an increase of $3.5 million compared to the same quarter last year. The increase was driven by the addition of the Explomin group of companies and annual inflationary wage adjustments. Amortization of the intangible assets was $2.0 million, an increase of $1.7 million compared to the same quarter last year, due to the addition of intangibles recognized as part of the Explomin acquisition. Other expenses were $2.2 million, down from $3.0 million in the prior year quarter, due to lower incentive compensation expenses given the decreased profitability as compared to the prior year quarter. The income tax provision for the quarter was an expense of $0.7 million, compared to an expense of $2.4 million for the prior year period. The decrease in the income tax provision was related to the overall reduction in profitability. Net earnings were $1.0 million or $0.01 per share ($0.01 per share diluted) for the quarter, compared to net earnings of $9.9 million or $0.12 per share ($0.12 per share diluted) for the prior year quarter. Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2025 Total revenue for the year was $727.6 million, up 3% from revenue of $706.7 million recorded in the previous year. Excluding Explomin, revenue for the year would have been $657.0 million, down 7% from the previous year. The favourable foreign exchange translation impact, when comparing to the effective rates for the previous year, was approximately $10 million on revenue, with minimal impact on net earnings as expenditures in foreign jurisdictions tend to be in the same currency as revenue. Revenue for the year from Canada - U.S. decreased by 20% to $274.4 million, compared to the previous year. The lack of junior financing continues to impact this region year-over-year, and project delays resulted in a slow start to calendar 2025. South and Central American revenue increased by 40% to $262.3 million for the year, compared to the previous year. While some countries in the region are experiencing slowdowns and project delays, growth was generated by the additional revenue from the Explomin acquisition, and continued growth in Chile, driven by copper exploration. Australasian and African revenue increased by 9% to $190.9 million, compared to the previous year, as demand for specialized services in Australia and Mongolia continues to drive growth in this region. Gross margin percentage for the year was 17.9%, compared to 21.6% for the previous year. Depreciation expense totaling $56.0 million is included in direct costs for the current year, versus $47.8 million in the prior year. Adjusted gross margin (see 'Non-IFRS financial measures'), which excludes depreciation expense, was 25.6% for the year, compared to 28.4% for the prior year. While the Company remains disciplined on pricing, margins were reduced year-over-year as the competitive environment in Canada - U.S. remains, and the Company retained labour throughout project delays. General and administrative costs were $78.8 million, an increase of $11.0 million, compared to the previous year. The increase from the prior year was driven by the addition of the Explomin group of companies and annual wage adjustments implemented at the start of the fiscal year. Amortization of the intangible assets was $3.7 million, an increase of $2.6 million compared to the previous year, due to the addition of intangibles recognized as part of the Explomin acquisition. Other expenses were $9.0 million, down from $10.3 million in the prior year, due primarily to lower incentive compensation expenses throughout the Company, given the decreased profitability. Foreign exchange loss was $1.9 million, compared to $5.5 million for the prior year. While the Company's reporting currency is the Canadian dollar, various jurisdictions have net monetary assets or liabilities exposed to other currencies. Throughout fiscal 2025, various currencies lost strength against the Canadian dollar, while in the prior fiscal year the loss was mainly driven by Argentina as they experienced a significant devaluation of the Peso as part of economic reforms implemented by the Argentinian government. The income tax provision for the year was an expense of $11.3 million, compared to an expense of $17.9 million for the prior year. The decrease was driven by an overall decrease in profitability compared to the prior year. Net earnings were $26.0 million or $0.32 per share ($0.32 per share diluted) for the year, compared to $53.1 million or $0.64 per share ($0.64 per share diluted) for the prior year. Non-IFRS Financial Measures The Company's financial data has been prepared in accordance with IFRS, with the exception of certain financial measures detailed below. The measures below have been used consistently by the Company's management team in assessing operational performance on both segmented and consolidated levels, and in assessing the Company's financial strength. The Company believes these non-IFRS financial measures are key, for both management and investors, in evaluating performance at a consolidated level and are commonly reported and widely used by investors and lending institutions as indicators of a company's operating performance and ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted gross profit/margin - excludes depreciation expense: EBITDA - earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization: Net cash (debt) – cash net of debt, excluding lease liabilities reported under IFRS 16 Leases: Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain information that may constitute 'forward-looking information' under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address future events, developments, or performance that the Company expects to occur (including management's expectations regarding the Company's objectives, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and businesses) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by future or conditional verbs such as 'outlook', 'believe', 'anticipate', 'estimate', 'project', 'expect', 'intend', 'plan', and terms and expressions of similar import. All forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by this cautionary note. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon various estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management related to the factors set forth below. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this document in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, these statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to: the level of activity in the mining industry and the demand for the Company's services; competitive pressures; global and local political and economic environments and conditions; measures affecting trade relations between countries, including the imposition of tariffs and countermeasures, as well as the possible impacts on the Company's clients, operations and, more generally, the economy; the integration of business acquisitions and the realization of the intended benefits of such acquisitions; the level of funding for the Company's clients (particularly for junior mining companies); exposure to currency movements (which can affect the Company's revenue in Canadian dollars); changes in jurisdictions in which the Company operates (including changes in regulation); currency restrictions; the Company's dependence on key customers; efficient management of the Company's growth; the impact of operational changes; safety of the Company's workforce; risks and uncertainties relating to climate change and natural disasters; the geographic distribution of the Company's operations; failure by counterparties to fulfill contractual obligations; disease outbreak; as well as other risk factors described under 'General Risks and Uncertainties' in the Company's MD&A for the year ended April 30, 2025, available on the SEDAR+ website at . Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency, or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements made in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events, or for any other reasons, except as required by applicable securities laws. About Major Drilling Major Drilling Group International Inc. is the world's leading provider of specialized drilling services in the metals and mining industry. The diverse needs of the Company's global clientele are met through field operations and registered offices that span across North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Established in 1980, the Company has grown to become a global brand in the mining space, known for tackling many of the world's most challenging drilling projects. Supported by a highly skilled workforce, Major Drilling is led by an experienced senior management team who have steered the Company through various economic and mining cycles, supported by regional managers known for delivering decades of superior project management. Major Drilling is regarded as an industry expert at delivering a wide range of drilling services, including reverse circulation, surface and underground coring, directional, sonic, geotechnical, environmental, water-well, coal-bed methane, shallow gas, underground percussive/longhole, and surface drill and blast, along with the ongoing development and evolution of its suite of data and technology-driven innovation services. Webcast/Conference Call Information Major Drilling Group International Inc. will provide a simultaneous webcast and conference call to discuss its quarterly results on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 8:00 am (EDT). To access the webcast, which includes a slide presentation, please go to the investors/webcasts section of Major Drilling's website at and click on the link. Please note that this is listen-only mode. To participate in the conference call, please dial 416-340-2217, participant passcode 5509648# and ask for Major Drilling's Fourth Quarter Results Conference Call. To ensure your participation, please call in approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. For those unable to participate, a taped rebroadcast will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call until Sunday, July 6, 2025. To access the rebroadcast, dial 905-694-9451 and enter the passcode 3742746#. The webcast will also be archived for one year and can be accessed on the Major Drilling website at . For further information: Ryan Hanley Director, Corporate Development & Investor Relations Tel: (506) 857-8636 Fax: (506) 857-9211 ir@ MAJOR DRILLING GROUP INTERNATIONAL INC. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2025 AND 2024 (in thousands of Canadian dollars) SEGMENTED INFORMATION The Company's operations are divided into three geographic segments corresponding to its management structure: Canada - U.S.; South and Central America; and Australasia and Africa. The services provided in each of the reportable segments are essentially the same. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note 4 presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended April 30, 2025. Management evaluates performance based on earnings from operations in these three geographic segments before finance costs, general and corporate expenses, and income tax. Data relating to each of the Company's reportable segments is presented as follows: *Canada - U.S. includes revenue of $27,375 and $36,679 for Canadian operations for the three months ended April 30, 2025 and 2024 respectively, and $102,596 and $130,378 for the twelve months ended April 30, 2025 and 2024 respectively. **General and corporate expenses include expenses for corporate offices, stock options and certain unallocated costs.


Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Andrew Peller Limited Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025
GRIMSBY, Ontario, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Andrew Peller Limited (TSX: ADW.A / ADW.B) ('APL' or the 'Company') announced today results for the three and 12 months ended March 31, 2025. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. FISCAL 2025 HIGHLIGHTS FOURTH QUARTER 2025 HIGHLIGHTS 'It was a strong overall fiscal 2025 as we continued to outperform the category, expand and win in important new channels and growth categories, while meaningfully strengthening gross margins, operating margins and free cash flow,' said Paul Dubkowski, Chief Executive Officer. 'Building on this work, we are positioning the company for long-term success and increased market share as we adapt to Ontario's evolving distribution landscape and shifting trade dynamics, and we believe this represents a meaningful opportunity as we move forward.' Mr. Dubkowski added: 'We applaud the Ontario Government's recent policy announcements and its continued support of the province's grape and wine industry. By promoting strong, competitive policies that are aligned with global best practices, and by focusing on local grape growers and wine producers, the Government is reinforcing the vital role our sector plays as a key driver of economic growth in the province. As a market leader, we remain deeply committed to investing in the long-term health and growth of the sector and the regions in which we operate.' Financial Highlights (Financial Statements and the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the period can be obtained on the Company's web site at ) (1) Please refer to the Company's MD&A concerning 'Non-IFRS Measures' (2) Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2024 include $9.5 million relating to the former CEO retirement and transition costs. These amounts are added back to calculate the Company's EBITA. Financial Review Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased 11.2% compared to the prior year's fourth quarter primarily due to the $5.8 million recognized as revenue at the end of fiscal 2024 which represents the full year's benefit of the revised Ontario VQA Support Program. The revenue from the VQA support program for fiscal 2025 was recognized throughout the fiscal year as eligible sales were made. The remaining decrease can be attributed to the timing of the Easter holiday season when compared to fiscal 2024 and continual adjustment of channel and shipment timing in the evolving Ontario retail market. Revenue for the year ended March 31, 2025 increased 1.0% over the prior year. The increase was attributable to sales to big box stores, partially offset by a decrease in the Company's retail stores in the second half of the fiscal year as Ontario's new beverage alcohol retail distribution guidelines took effect. The Company's retail store sales also benefited from the July strike at the LCBO. Several of the Company's other well-established trade channels performed well during the year, particularly sales to third party restaurants and hospitality locations. This strong performance is offset by softness in sales from the estate wineries and wine clubs due to lower guest traffic and reduced consumer discretionary spending due to tightening economic conditions. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased to 52.6% from 41.8% mainly due to the inclusion of $9.8 million from the Ontario Grape Support Program (OGSP). As the OGSP program is intended to increase the content of domestic grapes in blended wines, the support is recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold when eligible wine is sold. For the year ended March 31, 2025, gross margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 42.8% from 39.0%. The increase can be attributed to lower costs for glass bottles and inbound freight due to the cost savings programs implemented by the Company, and the inclusion of the OGSP. Gross margin is also continuing to be impacted by channel mix and inflationary cost pressures in concentrate, packaging and other raw materials. In response to these margin pressures, the Company is continuing to execute cost savings programs and formulation changes relating to these inputs. For the year ended March 31, 2025, these programs have resulted in $10.7 million of cost savings (2024 - $9.3 million). As a percentage of revenue, selling and administrative expenses decreased to 34.7% and 26.6% for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, respectively, compared to 42.1% and 28.4% in the prior year. Selling and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 included $6.5 million relating to the retirement allowance and consulting agreements entered into as part of John Peller's retirement and transition and $3.0 million in legal and advisory fees incurred by certain shareholders in connection with these agreements. Offsetting the non-recurring expenses from 2024, was higher compensation and higher selling costs as a result of the strong performance in fiscal 2025. Earnings before interest, amortization, loss on debt extinguishment and financing fees, CEO retirement and transition costs, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes ('EBITA') (see 'Non-IFRS Measures' section of this MD&A) was $13.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to $9.3 million in the fourth quarter of prior year. EBITA increased to $62.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2025 compared to $50.3 million in prior year period. Interest expense for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025 has decreased by 22.4% and 4.4% respectively compared to the prior year due to lower average debt levels and lower interest rates in fiscal 2025 compared to prior year. The Company recorded a net unrealized non-cash loss in fiscal 2025 of $1.8 million related to mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts compared to a loss of $0.6 million in the prior year. The Company recorded a loss of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to a gain of $1.0 million in the same quarter in the prior year. The Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting and accordingly the change in fair value of these financial instruments is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of earnings (loss) each reporting period. These instruments are considered to be effective economic hedges and are expected to mitigate the short-term volatility of changing foreign exchange and interest rates. Other expenses (income), net were $0.6 million and $3.5 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025. The expense in fiscal 2025 related primarily to a restructuring initiative completed in fiscal year to align the Company's business structure with the changing retail landscape in Ontario. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company undertook certain tax planning initiatives as it relates to capital gains with respect to the Port Moody lands. This included transferring the beneficial interest in the land to a newly registered partnership. All parties associated with the limited partner are within the consolidated APL group and there has been no legal ownership change. In March 2025, the Government of Canada announced the cancellation of the previously proposed legislation changes to the capital gains inclusion rate. Consequently, the beneficial interest in the Port Moody lands was transferred at cost rather than at fair value as originally contemplated. The transaction had no impact on the Company's operating results or cash flows. The Company incurred a net loss of $0.7 million (loss of $0.02 per Class A share) for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to a net loss of $6.9 million (loss of $0.17 per Class A share) in the fourth quarter of the prior year. For the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company generated net earnings of $11.1 million ($0.26 per Class A share) compared to a net loss of $2.9 million (loss of $0.07 per Class A Share) in the prior year. Investor Conference Call The Company will hold a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Paul Dubkowski, CEO, Renee Cauchi, CFO and Patrick O'Brien, President and CCO, will host the call, with a question and answer period following management's presentation. Conference Call Dial In Details: Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. (ET) Dial-in numbers: Local Toronto / International: (437) 900-0527 North American Toll Free: (888) 510-2154 RapidConnect: Webcast: A live webcast will be available at Replay: Following the live call, a recording will be available on the Company's investor relations website at About Andrew Peller Limited Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canada's leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft beverage alcohol products. The Company's award-winning premium and ultra-premium Vintners' Quality Alliance brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench , Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate Winery, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Gray Monk Estate Winery, Raven Conspiracy, and Conviction . Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine-based liqueurs, craft ciders, and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemaker's Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc., the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at . The Company utilizes EBITA (defined as earnings before interest, amortization, loss on debt extinguishment and financing fees, CEO retirement and transition costs, net unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, other (income) expenses, and income taxes) to measure its financial performance. EBITA is not a recognized measure under IFRS. Management believes that EBITA is a useful supplemental measure to net earnings, as it provides readers with an indication of earnings available for investment prior to debt service, capital expenditures, and income taxes, as well as provides an indication of recurring earnings compared to prior periods. Readers are cautioned that EBITA should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Company's performance or to cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities as a measure of liquidity and cash flows. The Company also utilizes gross margin (defined as revenue less cost of goods sold, excluding amortization). The Company's method of calculating EBITA and gross margin may differ from the methods used by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. Andrew Peller Limited common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols ADW.A and ADW.B). FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this news release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws including the 'safe harbour provisions' of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to APL and its subsidiaries. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the growth of the business; its launch of new premium wines and craft beverage alcohol products; sales trends in foreign markets; its supply of domestically grown grapes; and current economic conditions. These statements are subject to certain risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The words 'believe', 'plan', 'intend', 'estimate', 'expect', or 'anticipate', and similar expressions, as well as future or conditional verbs such as 'will', 'should', 'would', 'could', and similar verbs often identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions and applied certain factors regarding, among other things: future grape, glass bottle, and wine and spirit prices; its ability to obtain grapes, imported wine, glass, and other raw materials; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; its ability to market products successfully to its anticipated customers; the trade balance within the domestic Canadian and international wine markets; market trends; reliance on key personnel; protection of its intellectual property rights; the economic environment; the regulatory requirements regarding producing, marketing, advertising, and labelling of its products; the regulation of liquor distribution and retailing in Ontario; the application of federal and provincial environmental laws; and the impact of increasing competition. These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in this news release, in the 'Risks and Uncertainties' section and elsewhere in the Company's MD&A and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of Andrew Peller Limited which are available at . Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts, or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company's forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this news release, and except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For more information, please contact: Craig Armitage and Jennifer Smith ir@ Source: Andrew Peller Limited
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What FIFA said about ICE operations at Club World Cup matches
The FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off at a time when the U.S. is actively deploying military personnel to confront protestors and assist in immigration enforcement. It's the kind of situation that reasonably would have fans wary about attending the event. And it will be impossible to ignore as ICE and CBP agents will have a presence at the actual Club World Cup venues. According to NBC Miami, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents will be at Hard Rock Stadium for Saturday's opener. Though the department claimed it would be there to provide additional security, ICE did include an ominous reminder "that all non-American citizens need to carry proof of their legal status." FIFA president Gianni Infantino was asked about the prospect of ICE agents carrying out immigration operations at Club World Cup matches, and Infantino did not see a problem with it — emphasizing the need for security. He said: "No, I don't have any concerns about anything in the sense that we are very attentive on any security question. Of course, the most important for us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games. This is our priority. This is the priority of all the authorities who are here. And we want everyone who comes to the games to pass a good moment." He also added that he didn't want anyone to come to the games and create problems. Hard Rock Stadium was notably the scene of the ugly situation at the 2024 Copa America final where fans breached gates for Argentina's win over Colombia. Police and stadium personnel were so overwhelmed that they stopped checking tickets and ultimately closed the gates. Infantino wants to avoid that situation, sure, but immigration enforcement at the stadium doesn't work towards that goal. This article originally appeared on For The Win: What FIFA said about ICE operations at Club World Cup matches