Media Advisory - Cannabis industry experts available to comment on privatization of cannabis retail in Ontario

TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - The Ontario government has announced that it will introduce an online retail channel for cannabis at legalization (October 17, 2018) and it will allow recreational cannabis to be sold in private stores by April 1, 2019. This announcement brings excitement, but also some uncertainty.

Experts from Hill+Knowlton Strategies are available to discuss the following:

• Timing for opening retail stores
• Role of municipal councils in zoning private dispensaries
• Legislative changes municipalities will need to make
• Role of the Ontario Cannabis Store for warehousing and distribution
• Role of digital platforms in the new model
• How this shift will affect efforts to combat the black market

Who:

Omar Khan: Omar served as Chief of Staff to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care where he was responsible for, among other things, providing insights and counsel on emerging issues, strategic decisions and policy development to the Minister, Premier's Office and other Cabinet members. He has also served as a Senior Advisor to an Ontario Attorney General. Shortly after the election of the Trudeau government, Omar became an early member of Ontario's cannabis legalization steering committee.

Kim Wright: Kim specializes in public affairs at the municipal level and has nearly 15 years of professional intergovernmental relations experience.  Kim tracks key issues and votes across Canada, with a focus on Ontario and the GTHA. Her knowledge of the cannabis landscape is deep, having engaged on municipal cannabis legislation throughout Ontario. Kim has also built and executed successful public affairs engagements on a wide range of municipal issues including licensing, public health, zoning, transportation, budget/taxation, packaging, and labour relations.

Hilda Kinross: Hilda is a marketing communications expert responsible for H+K's consumer practice. She helps brands craft compelling narratives to tell their stories and reach their many audiences. In the Cannabis space specifically, she is helping brands effectively influence stakeholders in a complex environment and within strict regulations. Taking on a 'cautiously creative' approach, she is working closely with the PA and issues management teams at H+K to ensure that brands stand out in an increasingly cluttered and complex space, but also play within the rules.

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies's cannabis practice

H+K has a team of experts that have been advising clients in the medical cannabis space since 2013. We assist clients in navigating the regulatory and application process, support their communications and marketing efforts and provide public affairs support which allows our clients to achieve success today, while preparing for the future of this fast-changing industry.

www.hkstrategies.ca

SOURCE Hill & Knowlton Canada

or to schedule an interview, please contact: Alix Gallant, Manager, Business Development + Marketing, [email protected], D: [phone]