Alliance calls on Ottawa to examine the facts and stop taking direction from lobby groups who blame convenience stores for youth access to nicotine products.

TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ -- During Small Business Week, the Independent Convenience Store Alliance (ICSA) is urging convenience-store owners across Canada to write their Members of Parliament about the challenges facing their businesses.

The Alliance is calling on the Carney government to review the evidence on youth access to nicotine products and hear directly from retailers before making policy. ICSA is also asking Health Minister Marjorie Michel to reverse the 2024 order that restricted Health Canada-authorized nicotine pouches to pharmacies or pharmacist-supervised sales, and to work with retailers on safeguards that protect young people.

"Small-business owners are being blamed in a debate that should be guided by facts," said Hani Al-Shikarchy, ICSA spokesperson. "Licensed convenience stores want clear, enforceable rules. The government should listen to the people running these businesses before accepting claims that paint them as the problem."

Health Canada's own 2024–25 Vaping Compliance and Enforcement Report found non-compliance with federal vaping-product requirements at less than 1% of the 2,136 gas and convenience stores where vaping products were available and inspected. By comparison, non-compliance was observed at 43% of the 546 specialty vaping establishments inspected. The report addresses compliance with vaping-product requirements; it does not measure youth access or compliance with nicotine-pouch sales rules.

Canada's convenience-store sector includes more than 20,000 stores, employs over 200,000 people and serves about 10 million customers every day. Many are independent businesses that provide local jobs and everyday services, even as owners face rising operating costs and economic uncertainty. BDC's 2026 Small Business Week survey found that 78% of entrepreneurs surveyed remain focused on growth despite volatility.

ICSA says owners have been witnessing an increase in unauthorized nicotine and vaping products in communities across the country. These products are illegal to sell, yet their growing presence leaves responsible retailers losing massive amounts of business with black market traffickers who blatantly disregard the rules.

"We support the government's efforts to reduce smoking, and convenience stores can help by responsibly offering regulated and approved products to adult consumers," said Al-Shikarchy. "Our owners are on the front line every day. I'm asking Minister Michel and the government to listen to the retailers who see consumer behaviour and illegal products first-hand, and work with us to protect young people, support smoking reduction and address the illegal market. It makes no sense that our own government bans the sale of Health Canada approved products in our stores, but does nothing to stop the growing volume of foreign made illegal products flooding our communities."

During Small Business Week, ICSA encourages MPs to meet with local convenience-store owners, hear their concerns and work with them on practical solutions.

About the Independent Convenience Store Alliance
The Independent Convenience Store Alliance (ICSA) is a collaborative alliance representing independent convenience-store owners across Canada. It advocates for policies that support locally owned retailers and responsible retailing.

www.icsa-addi.ca

SOURCE Independent Convenience Store Alliance