Canada’s Next Global Advantage: Unlocking the Economic Power of Cannabis

Join us for an insightful session with James Yamanaka, CEO of Organigram, Canada’s largest legal cannabis company by market share, as he takes the stage for a fireside chat on the role cannabis can play as a key pillar supporting Canada’s economic growth and international competitiveness.

Drawing on more than two decades of global leadership experience, James will share his perspectives on how a more proactive, economically focused approach to the cannabis sector could unlock greater contributions to growth, competitiveness, and trade -particularly as legal cannabis has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s most valuable agricultural industries and international cannabis markets continue to open.

This event will provide a clear, strategic perspective on how policy choices today will shape competitiveness, trade, and long‑term growth in both Canadian and international markets. Speakers James Yamanaka, Chief Executive Officer, Organigram Global Inc. Jameson Berkow, Capital Markets Reporter, The Globe and Mail

*The views expressed on the Economic Club of Canada platform are not that of the Economic Club or its affiliates but of the speakers alone and the organizations they represent.*

Audio Recap

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis as a major Canadian economic and export sector: James Yamanaka highlighted that Canada’s legal cannabis industry now employs close to a quarter of a million people and contributes about $16 billion to the economy (including $8 billion in direct GDP), with Canadian companies acting as leading global exporters and key suppliers to fast‑growing medical cannabis markets such as Germany, the UK, and Australia.

• Regulation, excise, and the risk of a “tipping point”: Drawing on Canada and international examples, James underscored that while strong regulation and excise are essential, excessive taxation and complexity can reach a “tipping point” where policy unintentionally fuels the illicit market and constrains the ability of responsible, regulated operators to reinvest, innovate, and meet demand.

• Global opportunity, rising competition, and the need to invest now: James pointed to a “huge export opportunity” as medical cannabis markets expand in Europe and beyond, but cautioned that Canada’s current multi‑year lead could “slip” if companies cannot access the capital, policy support, and trade facilitation needed to scale, especially as well‑funded producers in countries like Thailand build export‑focused capacity. To read further and explore the full insights from this event, download the complete Key Takeaways document below.