17th March 2021

acsa - atlantic c-store news march 2021

 Political winds…they keep a changin’Stephen McNeil has left as premier of Nova Scotia and Iain Rankin has been sworn in, to captain the Liberal ship. Rankin has been an MLA since 2013 and his tenure has all been under McNeil’s government where he served as both Minister of Environment and Minster of Lands and Forestry.  An interesting side note is that Rankin worked in a family convenience and gas business. That was readily apparent during a Zoom meeting that Mike Hammoud f

14th December 2020

atlantic c-store news september 2020

Political winds…they are a changin’Lots of political changes happening across Atlantic Canada. The biggest might be the New Brunswick provincial election where Premier Higgs rolled the dice looking to transition from a minority to majority government and pulled it off. This election was the first in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic era and it also marked the first time in 17 years that a governing provincial party in New Brunswick had won a re-election bid. In Nova Scotia, Premier St

3rd June 2020

small business reopening and support grant

Through this $25-million program, eligible small businesses, non-profits, charities and social enterprises that were ordered to close or greatly reduce operations because of the Public Health Order, or that were greatly impacted by social distancing and orders to stay home, may qualify for a reopening and support grant.

20th May 2020

new federal updates

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) expansionThe federal government announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the CEBA to include many owner-operated small businesses today. The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.To qualify under the expanded eligibility

22nd April 2020

government announces wage subsidy application date

Today, the Federal Government provided more details on the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy and announced support for the charitable sector.Wage Subsidy New Details:Companies will be able to start applying for the program on Monday, April 27 at: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.htmlThe government launched a calculator to help businesses determine eligibility: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsi

21st April 2020

acsa newsletter – april 2020

Hello, everyone:Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this weekend’s senseless shootings in Nova Scotia. As the Premier said this morning, this unbelievably sad and horrific event will not define Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia and the region are defined by kindness and compassion. The ACSA and our member sites are here for residents during this time of profound sadness. We are now more than one month into dealing with COVID-19 and the unprecedented impacts it ha

9th April 2020

atlantic canada response to covid-19

Atlantic Canada, like elsewhere in the country continue to take additional measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. To learn more, click here to read the complete .PDF file.

3rd April 2020

covid-19: 7 steps to sustain your business through the disruption

The COVID-19 pandemic is having widespread effects on businesses across the country. By mid-March, 73% of companies were already feeling the negative effect of the crisis, according to a BDC survey of over 600 Canadian entrepreneurs.In times of crisis, cash becomes even more important than it usually is for a company.Creating a detailed continuity plan and cash flow forecast will help you sustain ongoing operations, albeit at a lower capacity, and facilitate recover

2nd April 2020

government announces details of the canada emergency wage subsidy to help businesses keep canadians in their jobs

April 1, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak. To help Canadians and businesses get through these tough economic times, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Government is proposing to introduce a wage subsidy of 75 per cent for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March

2nd April 2020

what the canada emergency wage subsidy means for businesses

To help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, proposed the new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This would provide a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.This wage subsidy aims to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies a

2nd April 2020

victoria county seeks relief for struggling gasoline retailers

Article adapted from CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/victoria-county-seeks-relief-for-gasoline-retailers-1.5518076The price of gasoline in Nova Scotia has dropped 42 cents a litre over the last three weeks, hitting gas retailers hard.Officials in Victoria County say that's a special concern in northern Cape Breton.They say remote retailers are in dire straits financially, while providing an essential service for citizens and emergency personnel.Oil prices have plummeted

1st April 2020

exclusive research shows covid-19 is driving shoppers into c-stores

Among the many change-of-life impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, convenience stores are seeing an increase in shoppers who typically would go to supermarkets for their grocery needs.According to a new study conducted by Convenience Store News Canada’s parent company, EnsembleIQ, 15% of shoppers said they are more likely to shop at convenience stores for groceries due to the pandemic. Fielded March 13-15, the survey was conducted among 1,001 primary household grocery sho

30th March 2020

covid-19 best practices for lottery

Please follow your store’s current policies regarding best practices for physically handling any product.Encourage customers to use the Ticket Checker to check tickets at your store. Inform customers to download the Atlantic Lottery Mobile App as a way to check their tickets from home. For ticket validations, have the customer hold the ticket while you scan the barcode using the scanner.Have customers pay with tap when possible at locations equipped to take tap.Encourage customers to

30th March 2020

a message from the bank of canada

As we all do our part to try and limit the spread of COVID-19, more businesses are choosing not to accept cash to limit potential exposure.The Bank recognizes that these measures are being taken with the safety and well-being of both staff and consumers in mind. We all need to be doing what we can to reduce the risks.You may not be aware that refusing cash purchases outright will put undue burden on the people who depend on cash and have limited payment options. In these trying times, we sincere

30th March 2020

all businesses seeing 30 percent drop in revenue due to pandemic will be eligible for 75 percent wage subsidies

Article adapted from CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-covid19-business-supports-1.5514558?__vfzBusinesses and non-profit organizations seeing a drop of at least 30 per cent in revenue due to COVID-19 will qualify for the government's 75 per cent wage subsidy program, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today — adding that "serious consequences" await those who abuse the system.During the daily media briefing outside his residence at Rideau Cottage, Tru

29th March 2020

nova scotia announces new measures to support small businesses amid covid-19

Article adapted from CBC News: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-has-17-new-cases-of-covid-19-1.5512422?__vfzThe Nova Scotia government announced new supports Friday for small businesses to help them stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including a three-month rent-deferral program.On Friday, the province announced 17 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the provincial total to 90.Premier Stephen McNeil said small business owners shouldn't have to worr

29th March 2020

trudeau promises 75 percent wage subsidy for businesses hit by coronavirus pandemic

Article adapted from Global News: https://globalnews.ca/news/6741037/coronavirus-wage-subsidy-canada/The federal wage subsidy for small and medium-sized businesses hit by the new coronavirus pandemic is jumping up to 75 per cent, the prime minister announced on Friday.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with reporters at his daily update from Rideau Cottage, where he remains in isolation, as cases of the new coronavirus continue to spread across the country.Last week, Tr

27th March 2020

covid 19 update march 27

The COVID-19 outbreak is unprecedented and causing a stressful time for all including customers, staff and owners/managers. Earlier this week we sent out a survey and asked members: How is COVID-19 impacting your customer service?We asked if members were operating on regular hours; on reduced hours; or closed. We asked if retailers had access to adequate quantities of cleaning and safety supplies to maintain enhanced store cleaning and protect staff. We also asked if members are experiencing sta

27th March 2020

federal coronavirus update

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced additional new measures to support small businesses dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic. These measures will help Canadian businesses protect the jobs that Canadians depend on, and pay their workers and bills during these difficult times. To further support small businesses, the Government of Canada will: Announce a 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15,

27th March 2020

vaping regulations across atlantic canada

NEW BRUNSWICKNew Brunswick bans the sale of e-cigarettes and e-juices to people under age 19, and no one under that age is allowed to enter a vape shop unless accompanied by an adult. Outdoor advertising by vape shops is prohibited and promotional material inside the shops cannot be viewed from the outside. Restrictions on promotional materials that apply to tobacco in other retail shops also apply to e-cigarettes. The sale of flavoured tobacco, including menthol, is also banned in New Brunswick

26th March 2020

covid digest - thursday march 26 2020

UPDATES FROM YESTERDAY: Yesterday, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This will provide $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to Canadians who are not receiving a paycheque due to COVID-19. To make it simpler for people applying , we’ve combined our two measures previously announced (the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit) – the CERB means Canadian workers, entrepreneurs small business owners will get the

26th March 2020

ns covid update

March 25, 2020   1:30 PM Included below is a news release recently issued by the province outlining the details of 17 new COVID-19 cases; all are travel-related or connected to earlier reported cases. As of today, March 25, Nova Scotia has 68 cases of COVID-19. The news release is also available in French at: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200325002. Premier Stephen McNeil and chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang will provide an update today a

26th March 2020

covid-19: millions of canadians report feeling anxious

On Monday, we completed a comprehensive survey on how Canadians are feeling and reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak. Over the next few days, we will be releasing findings from that study. In this bulletin, we explore the anxiety caused by the epidemic.KEY FINDINGSHow worried are Canadians? 75% are following news or information about the outbreak either closely, and 69% are worried. 40% say they are worried a lot or extremely worried (about 12 million Canadian adults). Men, especially younger

26th March 2020

ns gov covid-19 update - march 24

Premier Stephen McNeil and chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang provided an update earlier today, March 24. A recording of the news conference is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUj84OBg0hc. A short audio recap from Dr. Strang is available at https://anchor.fm/nsgov . Details of measures to strengthen the health system and help Nova Scotians dealing with COVID-19 announced today are outlined below: increased testing for COVID-19 -- public hea

25th March 2020

covid digest - wednesday march 25 2020

Federal GovernmentAfter hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Canada’s House of Commons passed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s coronavirus financial aid package at 5:51 a.m. Wednesday morning You can find a copy of the emergency legislation, Bill C-13, here.As part of the legislation, the government established the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVI

19th December 2019

atlantic c-store news december 2019

Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia pummel flavoured e-cigarette and vaping productsWith no political resistance at all, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have changed legislation and regulations to ban flavoured e-cigarettes and juices. ACSA president Mike Hammoud is disappointed that no there were no consultations with the convenience retailing industry by either government and wonders if the bans could have unintended consequences. “The flavour bans will likely result in the increa

23rd October 2019

prince edward island vaping crackdown will drive former smokers back to tobacco (press release)

Banning the sale of vaping devices in convenience stores won’t help tobacco smokers quit says convenience store industry.CHARLOTTETOWN, PE (November 22, 2019) – Convenience store retailers are concerned that the original intent of vaping products – to help tobacco smokers switch to reduced risk alternatives and ideally to quit smoking – has been lost in the aggressive vaping crackdown with new legislation passed in Prince Edward Island.Bill 112, a private member’s bill tabled by PEI PC

30th June 2019

atlantic c-store news april 2019

Budget updates…New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have tabled provincial budgets for the upcoming year. A date for a provincial budget in Prince Edward Island won’t be known until after the April 23rd provincial election, and a date for Newfoundland and Labrador’s budget is also unknown, but the government says it will be before the end of April.First off was New Brunswick. The Progressive Conservative government led by Blaine Higgs tabled a balanced budget and a forecast which, according to a

22nd December 2018

atlantic c-store news december 2018

ACSA president tours PEI convenience storesACSA president Mike Hammoud travelled Prince Edward Island tip-to-tip in November, visiting c-stores and meeting with retailers. According to Hammoud, the PEI c-store industry is playing at the top of their game.“We all know how competitive convenience retailing is,” says Hammoud. “And I was impressed with the effort that retailers are putting in to stay ahead of the competition.”Hammoud says that retailers are being responsive to what their cus

10th November 2018

best in atlantic canada’s convenience store industry celebrated

Atlantic Canada’s convenience store industry recognized industry excellence at the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association’s 10th annual Retail Convenience Awards Gala held at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The convenience store industry in Atlantic Canada employs an estimated 28,300 people full and part-time at 3,300 convenience store locations across the region and generates more than a half-billion dollars in annual sales. Sponsored by Atlantic Lottery Corporation,

18th October 2018

convenience stores raise $130,000 for children’s wish foundation - press release

Local retailers mark Small Business Week by celebrating the growing success of National C-store DayTORONTO, ONTARIO (October 18, 2018) The Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA) is proud to help celebrate Small Business Week in Canada by presenting a cheque for $130,000 to the Children’s Wish Foundation, which was raised during the recent national Convenience Store Day.August 29th was a record day as convenience stores across Canada celebrated this annual event, bringing over 250 commu

24th July 2018

best practices of returning empty beer bottles

Beer Canada and Atlantic Convenience Stores Association partner to Return it RightST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND – July 24th, 2018 – On behalf of brewers in Newfoundland and Labrador, Beer Canada and the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association have partnered to remind residents of the province how to properly return beer bottles to convenience stores.Return it Right aims to help reduce instances that pose health and safety risks to consumers, store employees, distributors and brewery workers, an

10th July 2018

c-store day press release

National C-Store Day targeting $100K for children’s charityNational event takes place August 29th at convenience stores across CanadaBurlington, ON (July 10, 2018) – An annual community event, Convenience Store Day is scheduled for August 29th, 2018. Since 2012, C-Store Day has celebrated the contributions that convenience stores make to their communities, while helping to raise money for charity.In 2017, more than 190 community leaders worked along-side convenience store owners, helping to

2nd July 2018

industry association says islanders support selling beer and wine in convenience stores

Industry association says Islanders support selling beer and wine in convenience stores[Halifax, Nova Scotia] Two-thirds of adult Islanders participating in a provincial survey expressed support for retailing beer and wine in convenience stores (strongly support, support, somewhat support).The research was commissioned by the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association and conducted independently by MQO Research in June, 2017. Results are accurate within plus or minus five percentage points 19 times

2nd July 2018

nova scotian’s strongly support selling beer and wine in convenience stores

[Halifax, Nova Scotia] Nearly two-thirds of adult Nova Scotians participating in a provincial survey expressed support for retailing beer and wine in convenience stores (strongly support, support, somewhat support).The research was commissioned by the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association and conducted independently by MQO Research in June, 2017.Results are accurate within plus or minus five percentage points 19 times out of 20. Among survey participants who had purchased wine or beer in the l

29th June 2018

acsa newsletter – march 2018

Mixed reviews on 2018 federal budget from Atlantic c-store retailersThe upside of more support for small business in the federal government’s February budget was offset by higher excise taxes on tobacco says Mike Hammoud, president of the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association.“We’re certainly optimistic about the federal government’s commitment to reducing red tape, and the clearer rules around the tax treatment of passive income in private corporations,” says Hammoud. “On the othe

29th March 2018

convenience stores raise $130,000 for children’s wish foundation - press release

CCSA rolls out 7th annual Convenience Store DayOrganizers targeting $100,000 for children’s charityThe second annual national Convenience Store Day and seventh annual event is scheduled for August 29, 2018. Convenience Store Day, or C-Store Day, recognizes the contributions that convenience stores make to their communities, while helping to raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.In 2017, more than 190 community leaders worked along-side convenience store owners and staff, h

22nd February 2018

nb pharmacists cracking down

N.B. pharmacists in conflict-of-interest in crackdown on sales of over-the-counter medications.Decades old regulations that have never been enforced give pharmacists opportunity to eliminate competition for pharmacies.HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (February 22, 2018) New Brunswick pharmacists are in a conflict-of-interest and benefiting from the elimination of competition says the association representing convenience store retailers in New Brunswick.The issue arose when the New Brunswick College of Pharm

13th November 2017

atlantic c-store news november 2017

Crime bust reinforces organized crime’s involvement in contraband tobacco tradeA major crime bust in Ontario in early November highlighted just how active organized crime is in illegal activitiesThe bust came about through the ability of the RCMP-led Greater Toronto Area Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit to infiltrate organized crime networks. As a result of the investigation, numerous drug, weapons and contraband tobacco trafficking charges were laid along with a number of seizures tha

10th November 2017

best in atlantic canada’s convenience store industry celebrated

Atlantic Canada’s convenience store industry recognized industry excellence at the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association’s 9th annual Retail Convenience Awards Gala held on November 9th, 2017 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia.The convenience store industry in Atlantic Canada employs an estimated 28,300 people full and part-time at 3,300 convenience store locations across the region, and generates more than a half-billion dollars in annual sales.Sponsored by

27th March 2017

atlantic c-store news march 2017

Nova Scotia commits to further red tape reductionIn support of the provincial government’s red tape reduction efforts, Service Nova Scotia has created three new Business Navigator positions. These new staff will assist both new and existing businesses in navigating what the government admits can be “a daunting and complex regulatory environment.”Atlantic premiers commit to additional regional regulatory efficiency initiativesIn late February, Atlantic Canada’s four premiers committed to

22nd October 2016

cracking down on illegal cigarette sales is good for government coffers and preventing youth smoking

A third annual study of illegal cigarette consumption in Newfoundland continues to show unacceptably high levels of criminal activity says a spokesperson for the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association, who commissioned the research.“The latest research indicates that the prevalence of illegal cigarettes in Newfoundland is likely something in the range of 15 per cent,” says Mike Hammoud, president of the association. “That’s a lot of illegal sales and it’s costing the provincial govern

22nd September 2016

convenience store retailers support crackdown on illegal tobacco sales in new brunswick

New Brunswick convenience store retailers are supporting a crackdown on illegal tobacco sales in the province in a new partnership between the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association and New Brunswick Crime Stoppers. The partnership announcement was made at the same time the association released a new study showing that illegal cigarette sales in the province remain high.“The provincial government’s new Contraband Enforcement Unit is on the right track and is starting to make an impact, but

30th August 2016

illegal cigarette sales in nova scotia too high

Convenience store retailers in Nova Scotia say that the illegal sale of tobacco products undermines the health, safety and well-being of communities, and that illegal sales in the province are too high.In a study released by the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association, illegal cigarettes accounted for 20 per cent of almost 4,000 cigarette ends collected from 29 sites across Nova Scotia in June and analyzed. The presence of illegal cigarettes ranged from 6.5 per cent to 33.8 per cent at the sites

13th August 2016

retailers not celebrating 10 years of gasoline regulation

It was ten years ago that the then government of Bernard Lord legislated petroleum price regulation in New Brunswick. Fast forward to a milestone anniversary of regulation this week and some pundits are celebrating its “success” and how consumers have benefited from lower gas prices.Well, gasoline retailers in the province aren’t celebrating. And while the sky may not have fallen as critics of regulation were warning 10 years ago, the economic picture is far from rosy.Most consumers don’

22nd April 2016

atlantic c-store news april 2016

Budget updates…All of the Atlantic provincial budgets have been tabled. It’s tough times fiscally for all of the provinces and there’s a mix of good news and not so good news for the c-store industry coming from the budgets.First off was New Brunswick. The good news is that the government announced that it was going ahead with the creation of a dedicated Contraband Enforcement Unit to crack down on the illegal tobacco trade in the province. Bad news is that the tobacco tax was raised immed

20th December 2015

atlantic c-store news december 2015

Retail excellence honoured at the 2015 Retail Convenience Awards GalaAtlantic Canada’s convenience store industry recognized industry excellence at the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association’s 7th annual Retail Convenience Awards Gala held at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax in early November.Sponsored by Atlantic Lottery Corporation, the awards recognize excellence in six categories: President’s Excellence, Emerging Excellence, Innovative Beverage, Innovative Food, Innovative Product, and I

5th November 2015

best in atlantic canada’s convenience store industry celebrated

Halifax, November 5, 2015: Atlantic Canada’s convenience store industry recognized industry excellence at the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association’s 7th annual Retail Convenience Awards Gala held at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax last night.The convenience store industry in Atlantic Canada employs an estimated 28,300 people full and part-time at 3,300 convenience store locations across the region, and generates more than a half-billion dollars in annual sales.Sponsored by Atlantic Lottery

29th October 2015

more than 20 per cent of cigarette butts found at four ns high schools illegal product

HALIFAX, October 29, 2015: A new study released by the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association found that illegal cigarettes accounted for 22.5 per cent of the samples of cigarette ends collected at popular smoking areas near four Nova Scotia high schools.“The provincial government banned flavoured tobacco because they were concerned about underage smokers,” says Warren Maynard, of CST Ultramar, of Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Yet, it appears the problem of organized crime targeting underage you

6th October 2015

is the provincial government losing millions in tobacco taxes to illegal cigarette sales

New study shows illegal cigarette sales should be a concern to everyoneSt. John’s, NL [October 6, 2015]: New research commissioned by the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association shows that illegal cigarettes could account for more than 10 per cent of all cigarettes smoked in Newfoundland.“This is the second year that we’ve studied the prevalence of illegal cigarettes in Newfoundland and both studies indicate that it’s likely more than 10 per cent,” says Mike Hammoud, president of the a

15th September 2015

acsa – september 2015 newsletter

Atlantic c-stores recognized as important part of communityOn August 26, the ACSA held its fourth annual Convenience Store Day in the four Atlantic provinces. As part of the annual event, more than 125 community leaders and politicians volunteered for 20-minute shifts at 49 plus convenience stores throughout the region, raising money for local charity.  This year’s event raised over $50,000 for Crime Stoppers Nova Scotia and Children’s Wish Foundation NFLD, NB, NS and PEI.Much of the ne

21st August 2015

illegal cigarette sales in new brunswick remain high

Presence of illegal cigarettes at 11 high schools tested averages 26 percentNew Brunswickers are busy buying illegal cigarettes according to research findings released today by the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association.Illegal cigarettes accounted for 24 percent of almost 4,000 cigarette ends collected from 27 sites across New Brunswick in late May/early June and analyzed. The presence of illegal cigarettes averaged 26 percent at 11 high school sites tested.Overall findings are considered to b

7th May 2015

gas pump climate change warning labels

The ACSA submitted the following letter to Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc in response to their recent resolution to encourage the use of point-of-sale gas pump climate change warning labels.May 7, 2015Mayor George LeBlancCity of Moncton655 Main StreetMoncton, NB E1C 1E8Via email: [email protected]: Gas pump climate change warning labelsDear Mayor LeBlanc:The Atlantic Convenience Stores Association is a not-for-profit organization representing the business interests of Atlantic

26th April 2015

n.s. government’s flavoured tobacco ban an attack on small business owners

Barely two weeks’ notice before major ban takes effectHALIFAX [May 26, 2015] – Hundreds of hard working convenience store owners across the province will suffer significant losses at the hand of the provincial government due to its hostile approach to new legislation.Giving convenience store owners only 14 days to clear inventory before a major flavoured tobacco ban takes effect at the end of May amounts to an extreme penalty against small business owners by a government trying to score

22nd April 2015

nova scotia flavoured tobacco ban start date unreasonable, costly to industry

40 days simply not long enough to clear wholesale and retail productHALIFAX – [April 22, 2015]: The timing of plans by the Government of Nova Scotia to ban most flavoured tobacco products starting May 31st is unreasonable say convenience store retailers.“I have flavoured tobacco inventory that will take at least six months to clear,” says Tony Diab, a Dartmouth convenience store owner. “That’s the way the business works. The government wants to start its ban in 40 days. That’s going

16th March 2015

acsa extremely disappointed with nova scotia tobacco access act amendments

The Nova Scotia government has tabled amendments to the Tobacco Access Act that will ban almost all flavoured tobacco products. Mike Hammoud, president of the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association, says that there is no basis in reality for doing this.“The big issue was the candy-flavoured tobacco products that were clearly targeting minors,” says Hammoud. “But then they take a sledgehammer to the issue and ban virtually everything that is flavoured, including menthol.”“There is no e

23rd January 2015

retailer profile: margie boone

Margie Boone has been a part of the convenience store industry all her life, beginning at the young age of 13 working in small mom & pop shops. Over the last five decades, Margie has steadily advanced her career to taking on management of various Ultramar sites. These days Margie can be found managing Kenmount Corner Store in St. John’s, Newfoundland.What is Margie’s secret to a successful and happy career in the convenience store industry?“It’s the people” says Margie. “One of t

20th November 2014

atlantic c-store news – november 2014

Atlantic Retailers Participate in National Lobby DayAtlantic retailers including: Ramona Roberts, Terry Moore, Warren Maynard, Craig Pardy, Dennis Kim and Nick Pitre joined retailers from across Canada in Ottawa on September 16 as part of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association’s National Lobby Day. The retailers met with their regional members of parliament from all parties to create awareness of issues impacting the c-store industry.The Atlantic retailers were consistent in their messagi

6th November 2014

best in atlantic canada’s convenience store industry celebrated at 2014 retail convenience award

Best in Atlantic Canada’s convenience store industry celebrated at 2014 Retail Convenience Awards[Halifax, November 6, 2014] Atlantic Canada’s convenience store industry recognized industry excellence at the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association’s 6th annual Retail Convenience Awards Gala held at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax last night. The convenience store industry in Atlantic Canada employs an estimated 25,900 people full- and part-time at 3,012 convenience store locations across the

10th April 2014

atlantic c-store news – april 2014

Holding the line on tobacco taxesFiscal 2014 – 2015 budgets have been tabled in the Atlantic provinces and the ACSA is pleased that three of the four provinces held the line on increasing tobacco taxes.“There is reliable evidence that increasing tobacco taxes without strengthening penalties for illegally selling tobacco has little effect on reducing smoking and increases black market demand for illegal smokes,” says ACSA president Mike Hammoud. “You’re just shifting demand underground

22nd January 2014

atlantic c-store news – january 2014

ACSA gears up for pre-budget consultationsEach year, provincial finance ministers hold pre-budget consultations. The ACSA has always actively participated in this process, meeting personally with finance ministers, attending public consultation meetings, and submitting briefs.This year will be no different and the ACSA will be focusing on several issues, including: a) the negative impact of increasing tobacco taxes to try and increase government revenue; b) cracking down on contraband tobacco as