The Challenges of Using a Cannabis Business Plan for the LMIA Owner Operator Program

1. The Challenges of Using a Cannabis Business Plan for the LMIA Owner Operator Program There are many possible optons to pursue business immigraton to Canada. One lesser known yet potental opton is the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Owner Operator Program. An emerging and popular industry in Canada is cannabis. Using a cannabis business plan to pursue an LMIA owner operator therefore is desirable. Unfortunately, it can be difcult though it’s not impossible. Understanding the Owner Operator Program The LMIA is a process most businesses wishing to hire a foreign worker must go through. It is required as a measure to protect the labour market within the country. Two of the main aspects include proving that the role is truly needed by the business and also demonstratng that all reasonable eforts were made to fll the role with a Canadian citien or resident. The owner operator provides an excepton to the LMIA by allowing someone to start a new or purchase more than 50% of a business they intend to run. Diffultes of a Cannabis Business Plan Labour market impact - When considering someone who is pursuing the owner operator program, the top consideraton of the governing body – the Employment and

2. Social Development Canada (ESDC) – is the labour market. They need to determine the applicant and the business will have a neutral or, ideally, a positve impact on the overall market. Given the amount of interest in the cannabis industry by residents and citiens, this can be difcult to prove. Regulations, ineligible businesses & changing criteria - Cannabis is highly regulated and may eventually become an ineligible business under this opton. The entre owner operator program itself is currently being reviewed and will likely change in the near future. Unlike other industries which aren’t heavily regulated and/or are well- established, a Cannabis Business Plan may come under more scrutny or be altogether disallowed in the future. Diffult But, Not Impossible It will be difcult to receive a positve LMIA for the owner operator program as it relates to a cannabis business plan. However, this doesn’t mean it is impossible. If you can make a strong enough case or you have a cannabis business plan that is innovatve or brings something new to the industry, that may succeed. You will also need to ensure that you meet all legal requirements and regulatons but, a good lawyer will be able to help you navigate that as well. The Role of Professionals If you choose to pursue the LMIA Owner Operator Program with a cannabis business plan or any other type of business, consider hiring a professional business plan writng frm (LINK: https://www.joorney.ca). You may even want to consider hiring an immigraton consultant or lawyer. Although informaton on immigraton is readily available on Government of Canada websites, there are ofen many things that can help or hurt your case that may not be well-known. It is always better to go with professionals that know the ins and outs of dealing with immigraton authorites. This is always prudent advice but rings especially true if you plan to pursue a cannabis business plan.