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12:24pm on Tuesday 15th September 2015
acsa – september 2015 newsletter
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Atlantic c-stores recognized as important part of community
On 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 news coverage around the event focused on the ways that convenience stores are an integral part of local business and communities.
"People sometimes underestimate how important convenience and corner stores are to a community," Lawrence Briggs, operator of a local Needs location in Amherst, Nova Scotia said of his participation in C-Store Day. "They are operated by local people and employ local people. They are very important to the community."
C-Store Day is held annually across the region to raise awareness of the importance of c-stores, while raising money for worthy causes. For retailers, the day is also a way to thank customers for their loyalty and to recognize the contributions of convenience store owners and operators.
"C-Store Day keeps getting bigger and bigger with more participating stores," says Mike Hammoud, president of the ACSA. "For owners, managers and staff, the event is an exciting way of showing pride in both c-stores and the communities that c-stores serve."
A variety of community members participated, including law enforcement officers, municipal, provincial and federal politicians, and other community leaders. The timing of the federal election proved to be a great incentive for federal candidates to make an appearance at their local participating c-store.
For Alfred King, chairman of Nova Scotia's Cumberland County Crime Stoppers, which received a portion of the day's donations, the day was one in which he could promote the organization and the work it does to help solve crimes.
"It's great for us because it raises money we can use for our tips program and for promoting what we do in the community and in the province," said King.
Retail gasoline margin review application to be submitted in Nova Scotia
Following retail gasoline margin increases in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, the ACSA is planning to coordinate the submission of an application to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board this fall for a retail gasoline margin increase.
"The last retail margin increase in Nova Scotia came into effect in January, 2012," says ACSA president Mike Hammoud. "But the cost basis went back to 2010 and we all know that the one thing that isn't decreasing in our business are operating costs."
Hammoud says that the NSUARB always conducts a formal hearing process for retail margin reviews so it could be the end of the first quarter of 2016 before any approved increase would come into effect.
"There has to be a more efficient way of conducting retail margin reviews. These formal hearings take too long and cost the industry too much money."
Newfoundland and Labrador provincial election set for November 30
To avoid conflict with the federal election, Premier Paul Davis has announced that Newfoundland and Labrador's October fixed-date election will be moved to late November.
In the latest party poll by Corporate Research Associates at the beginning of June, support for the provincial New Democrats jumped to 22 per cent, putting the party just five percentage points behind the governing Progressive Conservatives.
The growth in support for the NDP came largely at the expense of the Opposition Liberals, which dropped by six points to 50 per cent.
"Support for the Liberals has hovered between 50 and 60 per cent over the past year," says ACSA president Mike Hammoud. "It's pretty hard at this point to see how the Progressive Conservatives will stay in power."
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick contraband cigarette levels remain high
Levels of contraband cigarettes remain unacceptably high in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick based on contraband cigarette studies conducted in both provinces in June.
In New Brunswick, 27 sites were tested with the range of the mean at the 95 per cent confidence interval being 19.6 per cent to 27.7 per cent.
"No statistically significant difference was detected in the results from this study and the previous New Brunswick study in June 2014," says David Knight, senior consultant with the ACSA. "What that means is that contraband levels based on this research were high last year and remain high this year."
Knight says that results from hospitals and educational institutions were particularly important because the overall presence of contraband at six hospital and 12 educational institutions was more than 20 per cent.
"We have one high school where the prevalence of contraband cigarettes was almost 40 per cent. That should be a real concern for tobacco regulators."
In Nova Scotia, the range of the mean at the 95 per cent confidence interval in terms of the prevalence of contraband cigarettes was 17.9 per cent to 25.7 per cent. As with New Brunswick, there was effectively no difference in overall findings between the 2015 and 2014 studies.
"The studies are showing us that while there hasn't been strong growth in the overall presence of illegal cigarettes detected between 2014 and 2015, the numbers remain far too high," says Knight.
The ACSA defends regulated gasoline
It's not perfect by any stretch, but the ACSA thinks that a regulated gasoline system is critical to the financial viability of many independent and rural retail gasoline sites.
The ACSA recently responded to a story in Nova Scotia's The Chronicle Herald newspaper by business columnist Roger Taylor that was strongly critical of regulated gasoline in that province.
"Mr. Taylor is certainly free to have his opinion," says ACSA president Mike Hammoud, "but we took exception to a biased and unbalanced story that was really an opinion piece disguised as journalism."
"In regulated markets with minimum and maximum pricing, like Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, we know that the intent of the system is working. That intent is to smooth out significant weekly price fluctuations, and to support Nova Scotia's vast array of rural communities, at a reasonable cost to drivers in terms of pump price."
Nova Scotia retail gas monitoring update
The ACSA and retailer reps met with Service Nova Scotia in late August to get an update on the provincial government's Petroleum Product Volume Tracking (PPVT) project. According to Minister Mark Furey, the project is about 6-months away from implementation.
The current plan is that corporate stores will continue supplying data as they do now, and there is no plan now to have the "black box" pump monitoring devices installed at corporate retail sites.
Service Nova Scotia estimates that there are approximately 164 "independent" gas retailers in the province. These operators will have a choice of using a point-of-sale (POS) system that will be developed by the government, or the software/black box device for pumps.
Price spreads on retail gasoline grades hurting Atlantic retailers
The retail price spreads between regular, midgrade and premium gasoline are regulated in all Atlantic provinces. Over the last several years, the regulated spreads have fallen far behind the price spreads in unregulated markets across Canada.
"Through to the end of July of this year, the average regular/premium price spread between Atlantic Canada and the other Canadian provinces was 7.4 cents per litre," says Mike Hammoud, president of the ACSA. "Clearly there's no reality in our price spreads when the spreads in unregulated markets are almost double what ours are."
Hammoud says that midgrade and premium gasoline are estimated to account for between 10% and 12% of a typical retail site's gas sales, so the spread deficiency in price represents considerable lost sales dollars.
Any changes in the regulated price spreads would have to be made by the regulatory board in each province. In Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, this would require an application going through a formal hearing process. Any application in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador would likely be reviewed through an informal process.
The ACSA is currently reviewing its options and how best to proceed with winning higher price spreads for retailers on gasoline grades.
Nova Scotia changes finance minister
Premier Stephen McNeil shuffled his cabinet in late July, about half-way through his government's mandate. The biggest change was Randy Delorey replacing Diana Whalen as finance minister. Ms. Whalen will stay on in cabinet as justice minister and attorney general.
"The ACSA doesn't get involved in speculation," says ACSA president Mike Hammoud, "so who knows why the change was made. We had a good working relationship with Minister Whalen as finance minister and we are optimistic that we can continue that relationship with Minister Delorey."
Atlantic C-Store News September 2020
Small Business Reopening and Support Grant
New Federal Updates
Government Announces Wage Subsidy Application Date
Email the ACSA to share your thoughts.
CONTACT THE ACSA
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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'
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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