Introduction Today the Government of Canada released its 2025 Budget. The first for the Carney Government and by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. Like this one, future budgets will now be released in the fall as opposed to the former procedure of releasing budgets in the spring-time. This is a consequential budget as it outlines […]
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October marks Canada’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a reminder that online safety isn’t a one-time exercise, but a set of habits safeguarding your future self. This year’s theme, ‘Get cyber safe – for future you’, highlights how to keep yourself safe from the variety of cyber threats both commonly faced and new to come in our […]
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We’re thrilled to announce that Diplomat Consulting has been named the SmallBusiness Award Winner at the 2025 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction!This prestigious recognition celebrates outstanding small businesses across theprovince that demonstrate innovation, community involvement, and exceptional growth.Diplomat Consulting stood out for its strategic leadership, client-centered approach, andimpactful contributions to Alberta’s business landscape. From navigating […]
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Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy tabled the province’s 2025 budget on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Summary/Political Context This year’s $232.5-billion budget — titled A Plan to Protect Ontario — aims to protect workers, businesses, and communities from the economic uncertainty caused by United States (U.S.) tariffs. The budget is designed to help build a […]
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On April 28, 2025, 19.5 million Canadians, a total of 67.44 per cent of registered voters, headed to the polls and cast their vote in the 45th General election. Voter turnout was the highest it’s been since 2015. Summary/Political Context The Liberals won and now will form a minority government. This is their fourth consecutive […]
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On April 10, Prince Edward Island Minister (PEI) of Finance Jill Burridge tabled Budget 2025: Securing our Future in the legislature. Summary/Political Context On Thursday, Finance Minister Jill Burridge tabled a $3.5-billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with a record projected deficit of nearly $184 million. The budget includes $294.6 million in new spending, […]
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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and President of the Treasury Board, tabled Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2025 budget on April 9, 2025. Summary/Political Context On Wednesday, April 9, Finance Minister Siobhan Coady tabled Budget 2025: Smarter, Stronger Better which focuses on helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with affordability, improving access to housing, education, […]
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Quebec Minister of Finance Eric Girard tabled the province’s 2025 budget on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, entitled Pour un Québec fort, (For a Strong Quebec). This $165-billion budget focused on investments in infrastructure to help Quebecers build a strong economy, including measures to help businesses focus on their ability to innovate through an updated tax assistance […]
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Summary/Political Context Finance Minister Adrien Sala presented the 2025 provincial budget which predominantly focused on one key theme, “One Manitoba” and “Building One Manitoba”. With this focus in mind, the budget introduces a new One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund, which allocates four per cent of gas tax revenue to municipalities for building community infrastructure such […]
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Summary/Political Context As the new Minister of Finance (appointed November, 2024), Jim Reiter delivered his first budget on Wednesday – kicking off the spring sitting of the provincial legislature. Reiter reported that this year’s budget was difficult to project due to the “erratic and unpredictable” threats of tariffs. Themes Tariffs This budget reflects themes frequently […]
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Summary/Political Context New Brunswick (N.B.) Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy tabled the province’s $1.26 billion capital budget for 2025-26 on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This year’s budget, titled Driving Change, Delivering Progress, is focused on investments in healthcare, education, housing, and economic resilience. This is the first budget after the election of Premier Susan Holt’s […]
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On March 4, 2025, the re-elected Government of David Eby presented the 2025 Budget for the Province of British Columbia (BC). Summary/Political Context Brenda Bailey presented her first Budget as the new Minister of Finance (appointed November, 2024) and like several other provincial budgets that will be presented this spring, it is heavy in spending […]
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Three Peat – The Progressive Conservatives Win Another Majority Vote Introduction Decision desks across the province called the Ontario election within the first five minutes after the polls closed. Here are the results: Analysis Not since 1959 had a leader (PC Premier Leslie Frost) won three majorities in a row. Premier Doug Ford argued that […]
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Yesterday the Alberta Government released its 2025 Budget. Summary/Political Context Nate Horner tabled his second budget as Finance Minister and unlike last year’s budget which had a $367 million surplus, this budget includes a $5.2 billion deficit. It is another budget that focuses on restraint which paradoxically comes with a tax cut and increased spending […]
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It gives me great pleasure to let you know that my colleague, and the President and Founder of Diplomat Consulting, Nathan Mison has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The King Charles III Coronation Medal is bestowed on individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, […]
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On February 18, Finance and Treasury Board Minister John Lohr tabled Budget 2025-26: Unlocking Our Potential. Summary/Political Context On Tuesday, John Lohr tabled his first budget as finance minister — and his party’s first since winning last November’s election —projecting revenues of $16.5 billion, expenses of $17.6 billion and a deficit of $698 million. As […]
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Over the past few months, we have undergone strategic restructuring to better serve our current and future clients. Today, we are excited to share a significant milestone in our journey: the introduction of our newly strengthened leadership team. Guiding Diplomat into its next phase of growth and impact, our leadership team now includes: We are […]
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Introducing Myles! Diplomat is thrilled to welcome Myles Dykes to the team as an associate of advocacy. With him, he brings a depth of knowledge, reflected in his commitment to inclusive change and economic development in the city of Edmonton. Myles has a rich background in non-profit leadership, including their current role as Treasurer of […]
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Introduction On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Prime Minister asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, 2025. The reason: Justin Trudeau will step down as Prime Minister once the party has elected a new Liberal leader. The result: Parliament will not meet for three months, delaying several important pieces of legislation […]
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We are thrilled to announce that Brianna Morris will be joining our team as the Director of Policy and Advocacy! Brianna has a robust background in public policy analysis, with research spanning various industries and all levels of government. Her work has been featured in leading outlets such as the National Post and CBC. In […]
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December 16, 2024: What a day in politics… IntroductionNever in Canadian history has a finance minister resigned on the day they were slated to deliver a Fall Economic Statement (FES). The FES can be viewed as a mini budget as it reports on the fiscal health of the nation and sets the priorities ahead of […]
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A Supermajority – The Progressive Conservatives Increase Their Vote and Seat Count November 26, 2024 IntroductionThe results are in! The Progressive Conservatives (PC) won re-election with 43 seats (up from 34 at dissolution) and managed to capture a massive 52.8% of the popular vote. The New Democratic Party (NDP) won nine seats becoming the Official […]
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Canada’s housing crisis has reached a critical point, with urban centres struggling to keep up with growing demand. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), an additional 3.5 million homes need to be built by 2030 to restore affordability in the housing market. While governments at all levels have introduced measures to address […]
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October 31, 2024 On October 28, the Saskatchewan Party (SP) won their fifth straight majority government. Not since the days of Tommy Douglas and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (which governed from 1944 to 1964) has a single party won five elections in a row. The SP won the race with 34 seats (and a popular […]
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October 22, 2024 New Brunswick (NB) likes change – since 2006 it has alternated between the NB Liberals and NB Progressive Conservatives (PCs) with Premiers only being able to serve one term. While Premier Blain Higgs broke this pattern and served two terms, last night he lost his seat and the election to the Liberals. […]
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October 20, 2024 The results are in and the only thing it tells us for certain is the British Columbia (BC) NDP are no longer in the majority. In fact, at the time this document was written, both the BC NDP and BC Conservatives are in a dead heat when it comes to elected seats. […]
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Canada and the United States (U.S.) have a long history of developing cannabis legislation and regulation at various levels of government. In 2012, two states in the U.S.—Colorado and Washington—legalized recreational cannabis. Today, 22 states have legalized adult-use cannabis, driving the market to over $33 billion USD in 2023, with expectations of exceeding $110 billion […]
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Canada and the United States (U.S.) enjoy the world’s most comprehensive trading relationship with nearly $2.7 billion USD worth of goods and services crossing the border each day in 2023. They also also have a significant investment relationship. The U.S. is the single greatest investor in Canada and Canada was the largest source of foreign […]
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Diplomat Consulting is pleased to announce our collaboration with The JUNO Awards to welcome Canadian cannabis companies to the festivities through the creation of regulatory compliant events to celebrate the iconic connection between cannabis and music. With our partners High Tide and Positive Intent Events, we look forward to making Canadian history by creating a […]
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September 30 marks a significant day in Canada as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which aligns with Orange Shirt Day. This day is a time to honor the memory of the children who never made it home from residential schools, alongside the Survivors, their families, and the communities that continue to […]
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We’ve been writing about drones a bit lately, and for good reason. With the amount of drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) work being conducted in the region, we’re excited about this sector from the professional and personal standpoints. Last week the Edmonton International Airport held the official launch for ‘Phase 2’ of their commercial […]
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We are excited to announce that Philippe Lucas(PhD) will be joining Diplomat Consulting as a Senior Advisor! He joins a growing list of stellar advisors we have added in recent weeks and will add invaluable expertise to support Diplomat’s work in the Life Sciences sector. A leading cannabis and psychedelic researcher, Philippe’s career spans decades […]
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It was announced today that the federal government will further their cap on international students entering Canada’s post-secondary education system. This policy, aimed at addressing concerns around housing shortages and strain on resources in major cities, will cause a significant shift that could have far-reaching implications for students, institutions, and economies in the surrounding areas. […]
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We are excited to announce that Jerry Bouma has joined Diplomat Consulting as a Senior Advisor. A respected leader with over four decades of experience in strategic planning, governance, and marketing management, Jerry’s will bring tremendous value to our clients and team. Jerry’s career has been marked by a commitment to driving strategic growth and […]
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Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) is a publicly traded, award-winning, pioneering, technology company focused on designing, developing and implementing commercially viable, drone-based logistics. They offer fast, reliable deliveries via drones for airports, healthcare, mining and more, particularly to remote and underserved communities. Their vision is to be the premier global drone solutions company. Diplomat recently spoke […]
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For Immediate Release Edmonton, Alberta (September 5, 2024)–Diplomat Consulting is partnering with Leaf StreetStrategies, and its Principal and Founder, Tyler Klimas to expand efforts in supporting theburgeoning North American cannabis hospitality sector. Klimas brings his expertise as the former chief cannabis regulator for Nevada’s billion-dollarcannabis marketplace, where he helped usher in a first-of-its-kind cannabis consumption […]
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We have another new face! We are excited to announce that Mackenzie Boilard has joined Diplomat Consulting as our fall intern! Mackenzie is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy at the University of Alberta, bringing with her a deep passion for public policy and government communications. Mackenzie’s academic journey has […]
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Known as “Cowtown” or “The Stampede City” for hosting the yearly ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, the character of Calgary is clear. But what about Alberta’s capital? Edmonton gets referred to as:“The City of Champions,”“The Oil Capital of Canada,”“Festival City,”“Gateway to the North,”“River City,”“YEG,” and let’s not forget the colloquialism, “We’ve got Connor and you don’t” […]
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EDMONTON, Alberta – Positive Intent Events (PIE) is breaking new ground with the launch of Canada’s first adult-only, alcohol-free festival cannabis consumption garden at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. The PIE Experience Garden promises to be a unique oasis where adult guests can enjoy mocktails, alcohol-free beers, and receive on-site delivery of cannabis drinks […]
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As part of developing the Federal Budget for 2025, the House of Commons Finance Committee is seeking Canadians participation in its annual pre-budget consultations process. “Each year, Canadians are invited to contribute their views to the committee on their priorities for the next federal budget. Once again, we’re eager to hear from Canadians, who provide […]
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Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our lives in unprecedented ways. Whether for better or worse, the AI genie is out of the bottle. While businesses have utilized various forms of AI for decades, it has now permeated everyday life, becoming a tool accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The internet has harnessed AI not only […]
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Introducing our new Director, Public Relations, Naomi Mison! Naomi joins us as a seasoned public relations expert with over 14 years of diverse industry experience. Her career has spanned across academia, financial services, municipal government, and Indigenous relations, where she has excelled in brand management, digital and social media marketing, media relations, and results-driven storytelling. […]
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We are thrilled to welcome Barry Diamond to the Diplomat family in the role of Senior Advisor. With over three decades of experience in the hospitality, art, and design industries, Barry brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that will enrich our team and add tremendous value to our clients. Recognized as a […]
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Don’t eat that berry. ‘New’ anything almost always pairs nicely with a negative reaction. As a species, we are hardwired to fear things we haven’t seen before and it has kept us alive for close to seven million years. Eating the wrong fruit could have catastrophic results so it was best avoided. We have extended […]
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Imagine a world where crop failure is minimal, plants water themselves, and food production increases with decreasing pesticide use? We may be closer than you think. As we face the realities of unpredictable climactic events along with a rising global population, innovative solutions are crucial to ensure sustainable food production and security. Artificial Intelligence (AI) […]
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As we face the challenges of climate change, economic fluctuations, and global market dynamics, Alberta is stepping up with a series of innovative programs and funding opportunities designed to bolster resilience and productivity in the agricultural sector. The release of the Budget 2024 showcases a recognition of these important challenges and a commitment towards solutions. […]
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Nearly everything in modern civilization can be traced back to the advent of agriculture, which transformed Homo sapiens from a nomadic species into a settled one. The domestication of animals and cultivation of crops on fertile lands have led to the development of complex communities and the growth of societies we recognize today. For over […]
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Citizens across Canada are feeling the pinch when it comes to putting food on their kitchen tables. With the prime lending rate stagnating and grocery costs continually rising, how do you plan to feed your family over the coming year? Food bank usage in Alberta has surged by 94% from 2019 to 2023 (Food Banks […]
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Reposted from Stratcann.com Last week’s announcement that the Biden Administration will move ahead to reclassify cannabis to a much less restricted drug class and ease federal restrictions could be the ray of sunshine the benighted Canadian sector has been waiting for. Despite becoming legal in 2018, Canada’s pot industry has stalled thanks to over-regulation and […]
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In the wake of Canada’s 4/20 celebrations (an annual event that has historically underscored the complexities of cannabis regulation prior to its legalization), another significant but less publicized event occurred last week—Bicycle Day. Celebrated on April 19, Bicycle Day marks the date when Dr. Albert Hofmann first experienced the effects of LSD, setting the stage […]
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April 16, 2024Today the Government of Canada released its 2024 Budget. SummaryFinance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled her fourth budget today which includes $535 billion in spending and has a deficit of $39.8 billion, compared to last year’s deficit of $40.1 billion. Total new spending is $11.5 billion. Key spending areas are: The cost to service […]
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The Canadian government’s recent announcement of a $2.4 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) signifies a crucial step towards fostering innovation and advancing the sector nationally. However, this development also prompts essential discussions about crafting a regulatory framework to guide the industry’s responsible expansion. Exponential Growth and Regulatory Challenges The rapid pace of technological innovation, exhibited […]
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You are walking down the street, and you see someone who appears to be homeless.Most of us feel sympathetic, and might reflect on how our career, education, family, mental or physical health have resulted in a roof over our heads. It’s common to ascribe homelessness to mental health, unmitigated drug/alcohol misuse, family catastrophes, or generally […]
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Yesterday the Ontario Government released its 2024 Budget. Summary/Political ContextOntario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy tabled his fourth budget today which includes $214 billion in spending, and a deficit of $9.8 billion – more than 3 times larger than last year’s deficit at $3 billion. Inflation, low GDP growth (estimated to be 0.3% in 2024) and […]
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The final report of the Expert Panel on the Cannabis Act, presented by the Minister of Health, unveils comprehensive findings and recommendations after an 18-month review, including public health concerns, regulatory burdens, taxation, and inclusivity. For a deeper dive into the report's implications for public health, industry regulation, and the future of cannabis policy in Canada, read our latest blog post.
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One of the core strengths of our organization is the rich diversity of skills and personalities that make up our team. The breadth of expertise we are able to offer clients stems directly from our employees unique experiences and interests. In an effort to celebrate this diversity and provide a glimpse into the vibrant culture […]
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Edmonton, Alberta – March 12, 2024 Visionstate Corp. (TSXV: VIS) (“Visionstate” or the “Company”), is proud to announce that its portfolio investment company, Sol Spaces Inc., has entered into a strategic agreement with Diplomat Consulting Inc. (“Diplomat”) to represent Sol Spaces as it endeavors to deploy transitional housing options to address homelessness and affordability challenges […]
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Yesterday the Alberta Government released its 2024 Budget. Summary/Political Context Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner tabled his first budget, which includes more than $70 billion in spending and a surplus of $367 million. Restraint and austerity are the key words that define this budget. Premier Danielle Smith’s goal of keeping spending increases below 6.2% (this […]
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In the dynamic landscape of Canadian healthcare, the push for universal pharmacare has taken center stage, revealing a pivotal moment for policy development and public welfare. This past summer we partnered with Project EmpowHer, championing the cause for pharmacare coverage through their message of universal contraception. This initiative aimed to address the urgent need for […]
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A review of publicly available numbers from the Alberta Gaming and Lottery Commission (AGLC) shows an inequity of opportunity between rural and urban charities when it comes to accessing charitable gambling dollars. On average, urban charities in Calgary and Edmonton received larger slices of pie more frequently. Numbers show urban charities received roughly $40,000 every […]
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In a groundbreaking announcement, Edmonton’s Capital Power Corp and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) have embarked on a joint venture to explore the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Alberta. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Alberta’s energy landscape, aligning with the province’s need for reliable, clean energy sources in a world working towards […]
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It’s a very good day for cannabis consumers in Alberta. Age-gated cannabis sales are coming to a concert, festival or sporting event near you! But only in Alberta! Today’s update from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) follows through on the Alberta government’s commitment to reduce red tape and bring cannabis regulations to […]
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Albertans may not realize it, but we make significant investments in higher education for the future success of this province. For every full-time domestic student enrolled in a program at a college or university in Alberta, the province gives institutions ~$16,000. While this may sound significant, Alberta ranks second-to-last in GDP-ratio spending amongst Canadian provinces. […]
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After Diplomat's advice,. the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission changes to cannabis regulations will greatly benefit retailers in the sector.
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Ontario's new regulations to allow alcoholic beverages to be sold in convenience stores highlights the need for the province to re-think regulations for cannabis sale and consumption
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With the introduction of the Cannabis Act in 2018, Canada was the second jurisdiction (after Uruguay) to legalize cannabis at a national level for adult recreational use. Given this substance was illegal for over 90 years, and ending this prohibition was unprecedented for Canadian society, Parliament mandated a review of the Act within three years […]
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September 30 marked Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a day that was first established in 2021 to recognize the harmful impact colonization has had on the original people of this land. Although it has come and gone, the specific date is of little importance. The day merely serves as a reminder to a […]
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In recent years, the field of mental health treatment has witnessed a revolutionary approach with the emergence of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Because of its status as a controlled substance, ketamine-assisted therapy is at the forefront of this movement, with MDMA and psilocybin close on its tail. Once again, Alberta is proving to be a leader of […]
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Edmonton is home to one of the largest not-for-profit life science and health technology organizations in Canada. As a city that isn’t too boisterous about our initiatives, you wouldn’t necessarily know. With Life Sciences Week on the horizon, we want to boast about some of the great scientific happenings that our city is home to! […]
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Want to join a growing team? Does working in emerging industries excite you? Diplomat Consulting Inc. is looking to add a Public Affairs Associate to our Edmonton office. The Associate will be in a client facing role and responsible for strategic planning and execution of projects. Note this is a work-from-home position based in Edmonton, […]
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Art is everywhere. Whether you’re consciously aware of it or not: creativity, innovation, design and more permeate all aspects of our lives. The ergonomics of your keyboard and mouse under your fingertips. The effortless movements of a seasoned ballerina. The rise and fall of dramatic melodic lines in latest top 40 hits. Arts brings joy. […]
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New Survey Shows 83% of Canadians Approve of Free Prescription Birth Control Across Canada 7 in 10 Feel it is an Urgent Issue NEWS RELEASE – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – August 15, 2023 A new survey conducted by Abacus Data, an Ottawa polling firm, shows exceptionally high approval amongst Canadians for federal universal coverage of […]
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TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As Canada approaches the 5th anniversary of cannabis legalization, Labstat Inc., a leader in tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, hemp and NHP laboratory testing and research & development, underscores the need for more robust regulations and increased research funding to continue leading the way for the international community in this area. “We need […]
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New Federal Petition Calling for Free Birth Control in Canada Starts with Strong Support Calgary, Alberta, Canada – August 1, 2023, 10:00 a.m. MT House of Commons Petition E-4516, advocating for Federal Universal Coverage of Contraception, went live on July 27, 2023 and has already garnered over 600 signatures, the minimum amount required to be […]
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For over 100 years, Calgary has been home to the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” – the Calgary Stampede (in one form of other, in its previous iterations). Despite the controversies that may surround the Stampede, the economic and tourism importance of the 10 day long event is not something that can be ignored by […]
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It is with great pleasure we announce today that Stephanie Bach has been shifted to the position of Vice President, Strategy and Policy. Stephanie has been working with the Diplomat team for 14 months now, lending her expertise on critical projects and initiatives. Most notably, she has been a major support with the development of […]
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The path to regulatory change is a long and arduous one. Cannabis consumption, by far, is no exception. We are reaching the pinnacle of our advocacy over the last 12 months, and want to take you on a historical journey of what we’ve been doing. Summer 2022 We began engaging City Council in an unofficial […]
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With the 2023 election ballots all re-counted and official results posted, Premier Danielle Smith announced and swore in her cabinet today, at an 11 am session. As Diplomat had predicted, through our support channels, the size of the cabinet is smaller than previous but remains substantial. With a smaller pool of MLAs to select from, […]
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Having participated in several meetings with the Competition Bureau between 2022 and 2023, we are pleased to see that their recent submission to Health Canada reflects our views and that of the industry. We believe strongly in the opportunities this industry has to offer and will continue to advocate on improving the Act (and the […]
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Part 2 in the Mythbusters Series Welcome to part 2 of our Mythbusters series, where we’re bringing the data to light. Today’s topic is opioids. This is a heavy area of focus, especially in light of the increases in opioid mortality. We also do not expect our data finding to be the all-encompassing solution to […]
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Part 1 in the Mythbusters Series As advocates for safety in the cannabis industry, we are always on the lookout for new statistics. We found many striking realities when it comes to cannabis and the effect it has on communities. Over the next 3 posts, we’re going to lay out 3 main realities when it […]
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Original post date: January 2023 It has been over four years since the Cannabis Act was implemented, and in that time, consumers, patients, and governments have had the opportunity to discern which policies and regulations are working, and which ones need to be revised. Diplomat Consulting advises various stakeholders on ways to advocate for legislative […]
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The Global Cannabis Partnership (“GCP) is proud to announce the launch of a trade group called the “Global Cannabis Trade Association”, or the “GCTA” for short. As an international focal point, the GCP believes in a united and inclusive industry to foster collaboration and communication as our sector continues to expand. The GCP works on […]
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2023 has started off with a bang, especially when it comes to our initiative to implement a cannabis tourism and hospitality strategy in Canada. The Diplomat team traveled to Lift Expo Vancouver in the first week of January to talk about cannabis tourism and regulations. We had a riveting panel and significant discussion on the […]
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It stunned many, but it was a true story. Alberta, arguably one of the more politically conservative provinces in Canada, has developed their own framework for access to psychedelic therapy treatments. And the day of that program launch, is today. But what is the program? How does it work? Are psychedelics legal in Alberta? Reach […]
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Diplomat Consulting has been hard at work, pushing the initiative for cannabis consumption sites in the Edmonton region. Working with interested stakeholders parties (from cannabis, tourism/hospitality, business associations, and more), we have begun to gather small but significant momentum in this endeavour. Starting in August, we released our 2-page insights (you can view that here). […]
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We first began circulating our two-page economic assessment of Edmonton as a cannabis tourism destination at the beginning of August with industry folk, and subsequently posted it online for public consumption. In the roughly three months time, there seems to be an increase in discussion about tourism and hospitality from a cannabis consumption perspective. To […]
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Yesterday, the Government of Alberta announced guidelines for psychedelic assisted therapy, beginning in 2023. This makes Alberta the first province in Canada to provide a pathway for the use of psychedelic drugs for medical usage. As the home province of Diplomat, we are proud to be situated in an area with progressive foresight on medically […]
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This morning, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos (Minister of Health) and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett (Associate Minister of Health and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions) announced the long-awaited legislative review of the Cannabis Act. Alongside them were Morris Rosenberg (a Former Deputy Minister of Health) and Nate Erskine-Smith (Member of Parliament of Beaches-East York), who […]
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Diplomat Consulting officially announces the addition of Stephanie Bach as a Senior Associate, simultaneously expanding the professional offerings and bandwidth available through Diplomat. Stephanie has been working with the Diplomat team since June and, in addition to 5 years expertise in the cannabis industry, also has spent her career in the realm of agriculture and […]
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On August 23, Diplomat published our briefing on Edmonton’s potential to be a flagship destination for cannabis tourism and hospitality. In addition to the Edmonton briefing, Diplomat also believes in Canada’s potential to be a global leader in this sector. Last week, we sent our briefing to the tourism ministers in each provincial and territorial […]
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Yesterday’s Canadian news cycle pumped out a story about the rising average number of children being hospitalized from unintentional cannabis ingestion. This news story has recycled in the media every few months since edible cannabis products became available in January 2020, and I would like to take a few minutes to respond to it. The […]
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Beginning on August 12, Diplomat has been discussing Edmonton’s potential to be a flagship destination for cannabis tourism and hospitality. We’ve done so, by sending our briefing (see below) to our provincial government, tourism organizations, local municipal leaders, Edmonton and area business associations, and regional & provincial chamber associations. Situated at the intersection between agriculture, […]
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Here at Diplomat, we are exhilarated by the AGLC’s decision today to change Section 3.2.6 of the Retail Cannabis Store Handbook, effective immediately. The policy line that “prohibits cannabis products, accessories or any other cannabis-related item or material from being visible from the exterior of the premises” had inadvertent results of reducing the safety of […]
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The Science Advisory Committee on Health Products Containing Cannabis released their long-awaited report on July 28. Of the information presented, Diplomat Consulting (hereafter referred to as DIplomat) has the following comments: Other cannabinoids and compounds Diplomat would have liked to see this report include compounds other than CBD. All non-psychoactive cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc. should […]
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We like partnerships at Diplomat – we feel it is the best way to offer our clients access to the best experts in their practice areas. That is why we have partnered with OB Consulting – a leading Canadian firm that builds effective strategies to launch new products, services and sites in highly regulated markets. […]
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A partnership in any business is key to providing success for the company and its clients. That is why Diplomat Consulting and Jaeger Strategic Advisors have agreed to enter into a collaborative arrangement. Diplomat will provide Jaeger’s clients with regulatory insight and government and public relations support in and outside of Canada depending on the […]
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Finding the right person to help manage and grow your business is never easy – however we at Diplomat Consulting have just landed Ms. Jessica Lamb. She joins us as our Operations Manager and as the Managing Partner I could not be more pleased. Her expertise and experience will help us continue to improve our services to […]
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PDF here. Edmonton, AB – The Entourage Co. and Diplomat Consulting are pleased to announce they have entered into a collaboration agreement with the intention to form a long-term strategic partnership focused on growth for both groups and the industry they serve. The ever-evolving cannabis industry continues to create opportunities amidst increasing obstacles to achieving […]
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As the cannabis sector evolves, there is an opportunity for Alberta to lead in developing innovative policy that assists with the stability and growth of the cannabis sector while ensuring responsible use. As of today, it appears that Alberta will be the first province whereby cannabis can be bought and consumed while a person is […]
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March 8th, 2022 is an exciting day in Alberta given private cannabis retail will be allowed to sell and deliver products via e-commerce. This change took a lot of hard work from a lot of people: consumers; regulators; politicians; and entrepreneurs. You can read the AGLC press release here. Diplomat is excited to announce that […]
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When I think back to my favourite Albertan summers, most memories can be traced to a live entertainment event. My summers in Edmonton are walking with friends down the line of stalls, sampling every delectable bite at the Taste of Edmonton, or basking in the sun enjoying the musical tunes of the Edmonton Folk Music […]
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2021 was a year of growth and exciting developments for Diplomat Consulting & the Diplomat Group of Companies. We celebrated our one-year anniversary, led huge legislative and political wins and welcomed Ivan Ross Vrana the Executive Director of the Global Cannabis Partnership. 2022 also has some incredible changes ahead. Firstly, we are excited and saddened […]
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I am disappointed there has been a series of robberies targeting cannabis retail locations across the country. This did not have to happen. After speaking to several law enforcement individuals throughout Canada, there is consensus that it is time to change the policy which mandates window coverings. Enough is enough. Health Canada and provincial authorities’ […]
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As part of a Red Tape reduction package, the Government of Ontario released draft amendments to the Cannabis License Act to permanently allow cannabis retail stores to offer delivery and curbside pick-up services. Our team reviewed the proposed amendments and one particular change offered some further consideration and opportunity for conversation. Currently, Section 32 contains […]
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Dear Editor, The legal cannabis industry in B.C. is fighting an uphill battle. It should be against the actors in the illicit sector, selling illegal cannabis products that are unregulated and unsafe. Instead, the battle this week has been against the B.C. media and their irresponsible, unresearched journalism that continues to increase the stigma around […]
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As the third anniversary of the legalization of cannabis in Canada approaches, we need to reflect on how the stigma of cannabis use is perpetuated. The culture of shame continues to exist, in part because of how the public discusses cannabis products. By understanding the difference between legal and illegal products, the history behind slang […]
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On July 8, 2021, Honourable Premier Jason Kenney announced a Cabinet shuffle. The government states that they hope a new Cabinet will give Albertans confidence and optimism for the economic future of the Province. With a renewed focus on recovery, the Alberta Government plans to build, diversify the economy, and create jobs. Several changes in […]
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TikTok has quickly become a popular app for millennials and generation Z. The app allows users to film short videos up to 3 minutes long and uses an advanced algorithm that curates your video feed to the individual. This combined with the infinite scroll feature makes the app easy to get lost in. TikTok has […]
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As previously seen in What Cannabis Can Be Summer 2021 is nearing and there is a sense of optimism in the air. In Canada, 60.3% of people have received one vaccine as of June 8, 2021. As we get back to normal, it is time to consider how the live entertainment industry can thrive once […]
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Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. Today, I wanted to share a small piece of action that Diplomat Consulting does to create an inclusive work environment. We are all encouraged to share our pronouns in our email signatures. As a cis-gender woman, I recognize the privilege I hold in being able to […]
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Taxes on specific products, sometimes called excise tax, are put in place by governments and regulators for several reasons: to raise revenue, change behaviour, or to cover the costs incurred from enforcement, infrastructure, or other areas. These taxes, also known as sin taxes, have been added to tobacco and alcohol products for decades. In the […]
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Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister the Hon. Chrystia Freeland Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. This is the first federal budget delivered in two years, outlining the Liberal Party’s vision for Canada’s COVID-recovery and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. Budget 2021-22 is historic, as it is the first […]
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Today was Budget Day in New Brunswick. As expected, the province’s focus on tackling COVID and ensuring the necessary supports for residents and businesses to emerge successfully from the pandemic far outweighed the need for a balanced budget. Indeed, Finance Minister Ernie Steeves was clear that the focus was on a strong recovery, noting in […]
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On Feb 23rd, Quebec Premier François Legault announced a mini cabinet shuffle. Lucie Lecours becomes the Junior Minister of the Economy Elected in 2018, Lecours is a graduate of McGill University. For more than twelve years, she held the journalist chair for TC Médias, then successively was editor-in-chief, news director, sales director, editor, and general […]
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Quick Links – Budget Address | Fiscal Plan On Feb 25th,, Finance Minister Travis Toews tabled their government’s third budget – Protecting Lives & Livelihoods; a three year fiscal plan for Alberta. The budget is broken into three thematic areas: (1) Investing in Health Care, (2) Preparing for Recovery, and (3) Maintaining Responsible Spending. .For this […]
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Nova Scotia Legislature New Liberal Premier Iain Rankin and his first Cabinet were sworn in on Feb 23rd, 2021. With a provincial election to be triggered no later than May 2022 due to provincial election laws, Premier Rankin’s first Cabinet is the result of a delicate balancing act of Party unity and candidate recruitment, as […]
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As Canada’s legal cannabis markets developed at such a fast pace since 2018, it’s shocking how regulation policies, especially on excise stamps, have failed the regulated sector. For such a small detail, it is no wonder that most consumers wouldn’t think twice about the stamp that seals their package as they walk out of a […]
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If Canadian politics were playing out in the scene of a movie right now, it would be Ben Stiller’s Zoolander with political observers and pundits doing their best Mugatu impression when talking Atlantic Canada: it’s so hot right now. As I write this from Charlottetown, Atlantic Canada is getting hit with the strongest winter storm […]
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! BUDGET SEASON and pre-budget consults are happening federally and provincially! Diplomat Consulting can help you pull together a submission sure to score you a nod from a Finance Minister! Reach out to us at hello@diplomatconsulting.com. Alternatively, check out the various consultations going on federally and in #Manitoba, […]
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Interested in our commentary on today’s Federal Cabinet shuffle? Download today’s brief below and sign up for our newsletter at https://lnkd.in/dKRZJvs to get information, news & comments like this sent directly to your inbox!#cdnpoli #cdnbiz #abpoli #skpoli #mbpoli #ISED #transport #prairies #news #politics #globalaffairs (You can read our briefing note below – or download for […]
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Earlier today, Nathan Mison, CEO of Diplomat joined Dean Millard from the Cannabis 101 Podcast to discuss the news coming out of the United Nations, Cannabis Legalization and the upcoming federal review of the Cannabis Act. You can watch the podcast on YouTube below or listen/subscribe on your favourite Podcast app!
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We’re excited to announce the official launch of Diplomat Consulting, a regulatory andaffairs firm opening its doors in July 2020. At Diplomat Consulting, we specialize in guiding companies through the complexlandscape of regulatory compliance, with a focus on industries such as life sciences(pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and health products), agriculture,hospitality and renewable energy . Our […]
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