Dear Premier Moe,

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally recently issued a public request to the Federal Government to restore the sale of nicotine pouches to convenience stores. As a hard working small business operator in Saskatchewan, I believe it is time for your government to do the same.

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In August 2024, the Federal Government imposed an order that removed nicotine pouches from convenience stores overnight. This was done without any consultation, and no evidence has ever been presented to justify the order.

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This was yet another blow to the already struggling convenience store sector. Nicotine pouches were an appealing product for smokers. Over the years we have lost many of those customers to the illegal market; nicotine pouches brought them back into our stores. Now, thanks to the Federal Government, we’ve lost those customers either to pharmacies – who are our direct competitors for many products – or to the illegal pouch market. Losing pouches has cost my store at least $75,000 annually in direct and indirect sales.

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It is time to restore common sense. Convenience stores have long been trusted to sell other age-restricted products. Why can’t we sell nicotine pouches; a Health Canada approved smoking cessation product?

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Alberta has recognized the stupidity of the Federal Government’s approach and how it is harming small businesses.

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We urge you to also speak out publicly to request the Federal Government change its policy and allow convenience stores to sell nicotine pouches once again.