About Us

Since the beginning of cannabis legalization ABLE BC has been actively and successfully advocating on behalf of British Columbia’s private cannabis stores.

A non-profit organization funded by membership dues, our mission is to help all cannabis businesses succeed.

On behalf of our members, we work with all levels of government to create business-friendly policies and enhance private sector opportunities.

Learn more about membership and sign-up here.

Member Testimonials

ABLE BC has been instrumental in the success of the private liquor retail industry.

We continue to be impressed with their effective advocacy and suite of benefits and resources.

Our liquor stores have benefited greatly from membership, and we are confident our cannabis retail stores will too.

— Keith Barbon, Cascadia Liquor Stores and Flight Cannabis Co.

WHAT DOES ABLE BC DO?

  • Leading advocate for BC’s cannabis retail and your voice to government

  • Work with government to create business-friendly policies and enhance private sector opportunities

  • Help you resolve issues with the LDB and other industry suppliers

  • Negotiate industry-leading benefit programs that save you time and money

  • Provide cannabis policy and government relations expertise

  • Your one-stop shop for the urgent industry information you need to run your business

Learn more about membership.

ADVOCATING ON YOUR BEHALF SINCE Legalization

When recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, ABLE BC saw an opportunity to support a new industry. ABLE’s deep understanding of government relations, policy development and regulation make us a perfect fit to advocate for private cannabis retailers. With our longstanding relationships with all levels of provincial government, the LCRB, LDB and BC Cannabis Secretariat, ABLE is uniquely placed to reach decision makers to positively influence cannabis policy.

Learn more about our advocacy work.

Our Team

BO CHEN

Head of Cannabis Membership.

Email: bo@ablebc.ca | Phone: 604-688-5560

Bo’s career in BC’s cannabis industry began in the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) days. He primarily worked on the Licensed Producer (LP) side of the industry, particularly focused on licensing and regulatory compliance.

Since cannabis legalization, Bo has been a dedicated advocate who supports businesses in navigating this unique and challenging industry. Bo now brings his years of expertise working in cannabis production, licensing, and compliance, to ABLE BC’s cannabis retail members. He is here to champion our members, fight for their businesses’ needs, and connect them with industry leaders and government officials.

Outside of work, Bo geeks out about fitness, wellness, and fly fishing.

JEFF GUIGNARD

Executive Director of ABLE BC.

Email: jeff@ablebc.ca | Phone: 604-499-2566

Jeff is a dynamic leader and communicator with extensive experience in government relations, strategic communications, and association management. As Executive Director of ABLE BC, Jeff advocates for BC’s multi-billion dollar private liquor industry as well as licensed retailers of non-medical cannabis.
 
Outside of the office, Jeff is passionate about curling, cooking, reading, and motorcycling.

2023 Cannabis Policy Committee

ABLE’s policy priorities and advocacy strategy is guided by our Cannabis Policy Committee. All of the committee members are experienced and dedicated industry professionals

Steve Dowsley – Chair

A co-founder of Burb, Steve is a passionate advocate for the private cannabis industry here in BC. As an experienced retailer Steve is well grounded in the many challenges, and opportunities, that private cannabis stores experience. He also understands the nuances of navigating the relationships licensees need with provincial, municipal and community stakeholders.

In whatever spare time he has left over from being a Dad to two young kids, and managing his business Steve is an active sportsman and keen guitar player.

Mike McKee

As the Director of Real Estate and Finance for both JAK’s Liquor and Muse Cannabis, Mike brings a financial lens to the work of the Cannabis Committee. Mike loves this industry and all the colourful characters that come with it –owners, managers and especially customers.

Mike is a Director on the ABLE BC Board and the chair of ABLE’s LRS committee. He provides leadership to the groups of talented retail professionals who help guide our policy priorities and tactics.

KEITH BARBON

As CEO of the Truffles Group, Keith has experience in many industries including cannabis retail (Flight Cannabis), food & beverage, liquor retail, tourism and real estate.  He specializes in policy related to operating provincially controlled businesses.

A chartered accountant by trade Keith has served on various boards over the years including the University of Victoria and the Urban Development Institute – Pacific Region. 

In his spare time Keith enjoys spending time with his wife Jamie and his two young daughters and is a passionate Formula 1 and soccer fan.

Yvan Charette 

Yvan is the current President of ABLE BC and co-founder of Green Star Cannabis company and has been inspired by his integration into cannabis retail.

With experience operating in the Liquor Retail and Liquor Primary sectors, he understands the need to work with community stakeholders and government set our industry up for success. Yvan works tirelessly with the other members of our Cannabis Committee to bring additional resources to ABLE so that the entire industry can benefit from the work ABLE is undertaking.

Michael Jahnke

Mike is a co-founder of Green Star Cannabis company which has grown to operate 4 stores. As a cannabis retailer Mike’s focus is to create a positive experience for all who visit a Green Star location.   Mike works closely with store managers and team members to further the brand’s philosophy of continual knowledge and education on cannabis products.