“Stop the Shutdown: End the Strike, Save Safe Cannabis
“Stop the Shutdown: End the Strike, Save Safe Cannabis
The Issue
Open Letter to the Government of British Columbia
We, the undersigned workers, consumers, and community members, write to you today regarding the ongoing BCGEU strike and its severe impacts on the cannabis industry, public health, and the lives of those of us working on the frontlines.
The strike has disrupted the legal cannabis supply chain, leaving retailers unable to keep shelves stocked. Current restrictions on direct producer delivery worsen this crisis by blocking access to regulated products. This lack of access forces consumers toward the black market, which undermines the legal framework and exposes the public to unregulated, unsafe products—an especially dangerous risk in the midst of the ongoing toxic drug crisis.
At the same time, retailers continue to be charged a 15% fee by the BCLDB despite its operations being halted. This markup, under the current circumstances, is neither fair nor sustainable. It places an additional burden on businesses, reduces consumer access, and deepens the strain on workers who are already experiencing lost wages and hours due to supply disruptions.
For workers like myself, the impacts are deeply personal. I live with a disability and rely on Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, but my work as a budtender is vital for supplementing my income, maintaining stability, and supporting my sobriety. Many others in this industry also face serious risks to their livelihoods and wellbeing due to the strike, even if their vulnerabilities are not the same as mine. For all of us, the loss of work means more than lost wages—it threatens our security, our health, and our future in this field.
We call on the government to:
1. Negotiate a fair deal with BCGEU without further delay.
2. Suspend or reevaluate the 15% BCLDB markup during the disruption.
3. Expand direct producer delivery to strengthen the resilience of the regulated cannabis market and reduce reliance on the black market.
The cannabis industry was built to provide safe, legal alternatives and create stable jobs. Without immediate action, these goals are at risk. The time to act is now—for consumers, for workers, and for the future of this sector.
Respectfully,
JACQUELINE FRANCIS
On behalf of workers, consumers, and community members impacted by the strike
10
The Issue
Open Letter to the Government of British Columbia
We, the undersigned workers, consumers, and community members, write to you today regarding the ongoing BCGEU strike and its severe impacts on the cannabis industry, public health, and the lives of those of us working on the frontlines.
The strike has disrupted the legal cannabis supply chain, leaving retailers unable to keep shelves stocked. Current restrictions on direct producer delivery worsen this crisis by blocking access to regulated products. This lack of access forces consumers toward the black market, which undermines the legal framework and exposes the public to unregulated, unsafe products—an especially dangerous risk in the midst of the ongoing toxic drug crisis.
At the same time, retailers continue to be charged a 15% fee by the BCLDB despite its operations being halted. This markup, under the current circumstances, is neither fair nor sustainable. It places an additional burden on businesses, reduces consumer access, and deepens the strain on workers who are already experiencing lost wages and hours due to supply disruptions.
For workers like myself, the impacts are deeply personal. I live with a disability and rely on Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits, but my work as a budtender is vital for supplementing my income, maintaining stability, and supporting my sobriety. Many others in this industry also face serious risks to their livelihoods and wellbeing due to the strike, even if their vulnerabilities are not the same as mine. For all of us, the loss of work means more than lost wages—it threatens our security, our health, and our future in this field.
We call on the government to:
1. Negotiate a fair deal with BCGEU without further delay.
2. Suspend or reevaluate the 15% BCLDB markup during the disruption.
3. Expand direct producer delivery to strengthen the resilience of the regulated cannabis market and reduce reliance on the black market.
The cannabis industry was built to provide safe, legal alternatives and create stable jobs. Without immediate action, these goals are at risk. The time to act is now—for consumers, for workers, and for the future of this sector.
Respectfully,
JACQUELINE FRANCIS
On behalf of workers, consumers, and community members impacted by the strike
10
Petition created on October 8, 2025