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opinion

Part of cannabis and small business and retail

Peter Aceto is chief executive officer of CannTrust, named 2018 “Licenced Producer of the Year” in Canada’s cannabis industry.

The new year offers a chance for us all to pause and reflect.

For many, that means taking a hard look at our career and workplace. Are we fulfilled? Do we like the culture? Is this a sector that offers opportunity? For some people, plant closures and global consolidations are forcing them to re-imagine their future. Canada’s cannabis industry is a potential lifeline for many of these people with huge upside opportunities.

The reality is that our cannabis sector is moving at the speed of a race car on a steeply curved road. Those looking to move into this rapidly evolving environment must think differently and quickly.

Since the legalization of cannabis was first announced, its impact on the Canadian job market has been a hot topic. There are estimates that the sector will add more than 150,000 jobs over the next few years. If our experience at CannTrust is any indication, that’s a real possibility. We’ve added more than 300 jobs in the past year. And we’re just getting started. Our human-resources department is in overdrive. And I know we are not alone. Recruiters are currently sourcing diverse talent for available cannabis sector jobs that number in the thousands.

Since few applicants have meaningful cannabis sector experience, our challenge is to find the right people. We applaud the many postsecondary institutions that are adding the business of cannabis to their curriculum – including our partner schools Niagara College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. These graduates will be in high demand.

However, we also need to find potential employees with transferable skills who want to jump into that speeding race car, even though they might not be able see where the next curve may take them.

If that describes you, here’s what you need to break into the cannabis industry: ingenuity, adaptability, courage and confidence. Look at your skills. How can they be adapted to the cannabis marketplace?

I’m an excellent example. I am a lawyer by training, who came from the banking industry. But my experience in expanding companies, leadership, business management, decision-making and communications serve me well. What skills and experience make you an asset? Is adaptability one of your strengths?

Cannabis companies are about more than growing and harvesting. Innovation is driving opportunities. Right now, we’re looking at hiring for positions ranging from regulatory scientists, software developers, marketers and call centre personnel, to planners, clinical consultants and analysts. And that’s just today. Our company continues to expand in exciting ways including areas such as medical, recreational, pharmaceutical, consumer packaged goods and global expansion. The possibilities are endless.

Not surprising, most of our staff have never worked with cannabis, but we all share a passion for this industry and for innovation.

What drives our people is the meaning and purpose in their jobs. What drives me is offering Canadians choices. Cannabis is a choice. A legal choice. A tested, proven, natural and effective choice. Our 57,000 medical customers tell us that cannabis improves the quality of their lives. We’re also involved in research to assess the impact of cannabis on diseases such as ALS, chronic pain and so many others. That’s what helps me jump out of bed every morning.

I’ve been asked if I’m concerned about the stigma associated with working in the cannabis sector. Before I joined the sector, I spoke to my family and friends about it. Anyone contemplating joining our industry should do the same. But stigma is often associated with lack of understanding. I’m optimistic that Canadians will adapt to this social change and embrace the cannabis industry and its many benefits and opportunities. To be global trailblazers is both motivating and rewarding.

Anyone can start something new. But it takes real courage to stop something old. If your career goals for 2019 include stopping your old routine, we welcome you. Get off the sidelines. Jump in the car with us. Shape the evolution of our industry and be part of an exciting and prosperous future.

It’s going to be a wild ride.

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