About this event
The State of Craft is a bi-weekly podcast discussing the state of the legal craft cannabis industry, presented by CertiCraft.
We're excited for Season 3 of The State of Craft! After a long hiatus of travel across the country attending conferences and trade shows all summer, we're thrilled to restart our policy conversations with Albert Eppinga and Dr. Michelle Corfield. They operate BC Cannabis Inc., one of the only indigenous-owned and operated licensed micro-producers in Canada.
Health Canada recently released its "What We Heard" report, and while the industry is buzzing about it, not everyone is thrilled. Our guests, Albert and Michelle, are some of those people. Eager to shed light on its shortcomings, the three of us will discuss the report and get to the gist of all the government-speak and its implications. We're also curious to hear why they chose to get licensed in the legal market instead of operating in the red market.
Grab a virtual seat, bring your questions, and be ready for another great conversation. Welcome back to The State of Craft!
Albert Eppinga, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Raised in Old Masset, Albert is a member of the Haida Nation and is from Eagle Clan. Albert’s Indigenous roots and values are the focus of every aspect of his business, BC Cannabis Inc., of which he is the founder and master grower. Albert is inspired to empower First Nations with the hope of enabling Indigenous entrepreneurs to be self-sufficient by efficient, sustainable, and consistent management – if he can do it, they can too. Albert is a board member of the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, where he gives back to Indigenous people by using his voice and advocacy to support Indigenous Youth.
Dr. Michelle Corfield has been a lifetime resident of Nanaimo, BC. She credits her hometown as the source for her grit, determination, and dedication to community service. Michelle’s upbringing on Vancouver Island led her to become passionate about reconciliation, community organizing, and social equality. Her interests led her to receive a Bachelor’s in First Nations Studies, a Master’s in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution, as well as a Doctorate in Management and Organizational Leadership. Michelle is an experienced negotiator with the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. She worked closely with the federal government to secure $46.2 million from the $100 million Port of Nanaimo expansion project. In addition to this, she led a community movement to push the municipality to address environmental concerns by facilitating the Colliery Dam conclusion. She also used her organizing skills and negotiating experience to raise funds for the Stevie Smith Bike Park, a beloved community space. Dr. Corfield is an innovative facilitator, mediator, and process designer with a passion for developing ways to advance First Nations people and communities using a balanced, holistic approach. Michelle founded Corfield & Associates in 2006 to provide consulting and project management services to First Nations, individuals, and organizations working with and for First Nations. She is an entrepreneur having owned and operated various businesses throughout her Career. Michelle has served on the boards for more than eleven organizations and societies including the position of Vice-President for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council for one term. Currently, she is on the Board of Fortis and Port of Nanaimo.
What is The State of Craft?
The State of Craft is a webinar series focused on the legal craft cannabis industry.
The rollout of cannabis legalization in Canada has been full of ups and downs. The craft cannabis industry in particular has been immensely affected by a myriad of challenges and missteps in the years following the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations.
In The State of Craft, Sami Majadla, CEO of CertiCraft, facilitates conversations with leaders in the legal craft cannabis industry to explore what is going well and what is going not so well. We'll discuss what can realistically be changed at different levels of government and industry alike to address major issues the craft cannabis sector is facing, and hopefully inspire stimulating ideas of all sorts. Every episode will end with a 15-minute live Q&A with our audience.
What is CertiCraft?
CertiCraft is a compliance software system that helps small-to-medium licensed cannabis producers stay on top of their regulatory requirements. CertiCraft is focused on making compliance easy and automating all reports and records and saves more time (and labour cost) than any other system available. Find out more at certicraft.com.
CertiCraft
They made it hard. We make it easy.CertiCraft is on a mission to help craft cannabis producers transition into and thrive within the new regulated market. Our flagship product is a simple compliance platform.
