Latest news with #KennyShim
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Convenience Store Group Urge Health Minister to Reverse Flawed Nicotine Pouch Ban to Help More Smokers Quit
TORONTO, May 31, 2025 /CNW/ - On this World No Tobacco Day, the United Korean Convenience Industry Alliance (UKCIA) is calling on newly appointed Health Minister Marjorie Michel to act decisively in correcting a harmful policy introduced by her predecessor, Mark Holland: the ban on nicotine pouches in convenience stores. Canada's corner store operators have a long, proud history of responsibly retailing age-restricted products. They are uniquely positioned to support public health objectives by helping adult smokers transition to lower-risk alternatives. Yet, under Minister Holland's tenure, the federal government banned the sale of regulated nicotine pouches in convenience stores—resulting in consumers turning instead to the black market to purchase these popular products. "Minister Michel has an opportunity to reset Canada's approach to helping smokers quit," said Kenny Shim President of UKCIA. "That starts by reversing Minister Holland's ministerial order and allow responsible retailers to offer adult consumers regulated, safer nicotine alternatives." The UKCIA urges Minister Michel and Prime Minister Mark Carney to address two urgent priorities: Reverse the Ban on Nicotine Pouches in C-StoresThis prohibition prevents adult smokers from accessing products that are widely recognized as part of a harm-reduction strategy. Regulated and approved nicotine pouches—already sold in pharmacies—should be equally available in convenience stores that operate under strict ID protocols and retail standards. Increase Penalties on Canada's Growing Illicit Market of Tobacco ProductsIllegal tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly available to consumers. These products are often sold without age checks, without health warnings, and without regulation—routinely out of the trunks of cars, online, or at unlicensed outlets. This thriving black market undermines both public health and law-abiding businesses. "Our members are on the front lines," said Shim "We see firsthand how the illegal market continues to expand while government enforcement lags behind. Meanwhile, responsible retailers are being punished for doing the right thing." Smoking rates in Canada continue to decline, thanks in part to innovation and new and less harmful alternatives. But restricting access to those very tools—while ignoring the unregulated alternatives flooding the streets—is a backwards approach. The UKCIA, which represents 2000 small businesses across the country, calls on Minister Michel to listen to their concerns and act accordingly. World No Tobacco Day should be a time to move forward—not fall behind. SOURCE United Korean Canadian Industry Association (UKCIA) View original content:
Cision Canada
28-04-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Convenience Store Operators Applaud Conservative Commitment to End Pharmacy-Only Rule for Nicotine Pouches
TORONTO, April 28, 2025 /CNW/ - As Canadians cast their ballots today, independent convenience store operators across the country are welcoming the Conservative Party of Canada's 1 pledge to end the pharmacy-only restriction on nicotine pouch sales — a decision that will directly help thousands of small businesses and support public health efforts to help smokers quit. The United Korean Canadian Industry Association (UKCIA), representing thousands of independent convenience stores, praised the Conservative commitment to restore the ability of corner stores to sell regulated, approved nicotine pouches — reversing a controversial decision made in 2024 by then-Health Minister Mark Holland. "We applaud the Conservative Party for recognizing the critical role that independent convenience stores play in serving their communities," said Kenny Shim, President of the UKCIA. "Convenience stores have a proven track record of responsibly selling age-restricted products. This commitment would allow us to once again offer smokers a safer, regulated option in a convenient location where they already shop." The previous ban pushed some consumers to purchase pouches from the black market, purchasing products that are unregulated, untaxed and potentially dangerous. This action jeopardized public safety, and cost small retailers millions in lost revenue. Most impacted were the thousands of convenience stores owned and operated by hardworking New Canadians — small family businesses operating in every city, town, and rural community across Canada. Today, the UKCIA is also calling on the Liberal Party of Canada to match the Conservative commitment and pledge to reverse Minister Holland's flawed decision. "Helping small businesses should not be a partisan issue. Supporting public health should not be a partisan issue," said Shim. "We urge Mr. Carney and the Liberal Party to show that they too support hardworking small business owners and adult smokers trying to quit, by matching the Conservative commitment." The UKCIA and its members are encouraging all their customers to vote today. We look forward to working with whichever party forms government after today and are committed to collaborating on smart policies that support public health, consumer safety, and Canada's small business economy.
