Media releases

• Ontario cannabis plan provides clues to coming retail experience: Brock prof

  Thursday, April 12, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 12 April 2017 – R00073

  The Ontario Cannabis Retail Corp. made several key announcements Wednesday as it rolls out its plans for the sale of legalized marijuana.

  But while the plans reveal some clues as to what customers can expect from the retail cannabis experience in Ontario, Brock University Associate Professor Michael Armstrong says it also shows that this province is falling behind Quebec in the planning process.

  Armstrong, who teaches courses in quality improvement in Brock’s Goodman School of Business and has written opinion columns on this subject, is available for interviews about Ontario’s retail plans.

  The Goodman professor says one particular point of interest from Wednesday’s announcement was the province’s decision to locate its first four Ontario Cannabis Stores (OCS) well away from tourist areas.

  “The Kingston OCS is in a suburban shopping plaza. It would be like putting a St. Catharines store in the plaza at Vansickle Road and Fourth Avenue,” Armstrong says.

  Ontario Cannabis Retail Corp. (OCRC) also issued a call for product suppliers to submit offers by May 2.

  “By contrast, Quebec announced it has already signed offers with five cannabis suppliers,” Armstrong says. “This shows Ontario is lagging behind Quebec.”

  The OCRC call asks suppliers to specify the concentration ranges for the active ingredients (such as THC) found in their products, and later submit a certificate of analysis from a chemistry lab along with each batch.

  “This is a first step toward improving product quality and consistency, and a big departure from traditional grow-ops,” says Armstrong.

  The call also hints at OCRC’s retailing plans. It asks suppliers to submit short product descriptions (“an earthy product with citrus note”), quality levels and suggested retail prices.

  “That suggests the kind of information customers will see on computer screens in stores,” Armstrong says. “It also suggests that OCRC will set different retail prices for different products and brands, similar to the LCBO, rather than just a single flat price per gram of cannabis.”

  Associate Professor Michael Armstrong is available for interviews on the issue.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock welcomes thousands to Open House

  Monday, April 09, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 08 April 2018 – R00072

  Brock University rolled out the welcome mat for thousands of visitors during Sunday’s Open House, one of the most important events in the recruitment calendar.

  Travelling from around Niagara, the GTA and other parts of Canada, about 4,200 prospective students, parents and other guests toured campus, asked questions at the on-site information fair and took in sessions that provided program-specific details.

  A small army of close to 300 faculty, staff and student volunteers — each sporting their signature red Brock gear — welcomed visitors and provided information about undergraduate and graduate academic programs, experiential education options, student services and research opportunities.

  “The vibe has been terrific, with tons of energy,” said Beth Natale, Brock’s Director of Recruitment. “I think that’s in large part because our entire campus community participates.”

  Natale was impressed with the turnout given the unseasonably cold temperatures and occasional blast of flurries that hit Niagara throughout the day.

  Open House is a critical event in the recruitment calendar, with many secondary school applicants weighing their options before making a final decision by June 1.

  “Many of the students here today have offers of admission in hand and they’re literally comparing us with the other schools they’ve applied to,” Natale said. “It’s an important day for us to shine and to tell the full story of what Brock has to offer.”

  Ethan Crystal journeyed from Montreal alongside parents Todd and Felicia to get a taste of the Brock experience he had read so much about online.

  “Seeing the University on the computer compared to being here in person is two different things. I’m really enjoying it and glad we came,” said the prospective Sports Management student. “You really get a feel for the school. I’m excited.”

  Crystal said Brock’s SPMA program is highly regarded and after spending some time with faculty Sunday, he can see why.

  While he has yet to make a final decision for fall, he said his time at Open House has him leaning towards a Brock start in September — a thought that sits well with his mother Felicia.

  “I’m very impressed,” she said of her initial on-campus experience. “Everyone has been so welcoming and knowledgeable. This campus is big but it has a feel of intimacy, like a community.”

  That welcoming feel is what Brock strives to provide, Natale said, while crediting all involved in Open House for making that possible.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Maryanne Firth, Writer/Editor, Brock University maryanne.firth@brocku.ca, 905-688- 5550 x4420 or 289-241-8288

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases