ICSA expands national coalition into Quebec and launches new partnership to test AI-powered age-verification technology

TORONTO, Sept. 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Independent Convenience Stores Alliance (ICSA) today announced an important milestone in the growth of its national coalition, welcoming the Regroupement des tabagies du Québec (RTQ) as its newest partner and significantly expanding the Alliance's voice across Canada.

The RTQ joins the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) and the Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association (OKBA) in Ontario, as well as the United Korean Commerce & Industry Association of Canada (UKCIA), which represents independent retailers across Western Canada.

The addition of the RTQ strengthens ICSA's growing national network of independent, licensed retailers working together to advocate for fair regulation, stronger enforcement against illegal products and recognition of the role responsible retailers play in communities across Canada.

"The RTQ has established itself as a strong and effective voice for independent retailers in Quebec, particularly when it comes to regulatory fairness and the growing threat of the illegal market. We are extremely pleased to welcome them to the ICSA. Their experience, advocacy and understanding of the Quebec marketplace will make our national alliance stronger," said Hani Al-Shikarchy, spokesperson for the ICSA.

The RTQ has been particularly active in calling for greater enforcement against illegal vaping products and for governments to ensure that businesses following the rules are not placed at a competitive disadvantage against those operating outside them.

Two Years Since Federal Nicotine Pouch Restrictions

The announcement comes following the second anniversary of the federal government's August 2024 decision that prohibited convenience stores across Canada from selling authorized nicotine pouches, extending nationally a restriction that was already in place for retailers in Quebec.

Quebec's experience provides an important case study of what happens when governments restrict access to regulated nicotine products through legal retail channels without effectively addressing continued consumer demand and illegal supply.

Recent research commissioned by the RTQ provides further evidence of this challenge. A June 2026 survey commissioned by the RTQ found that 73 per cent of Quebec vapers surveyed who use nicotine vaping products reported purchasing flavours prohibited under Quebec regulations, with nearly half obtaining them through channels outside the legal market.

"Quebec retailers have seen firsthand what happens when governments restrict the legal market without effectively controlling the illegal one. Consumer demand doesn't simply disappear — responsible, licensed businesses lose while unauthorized sellers gain. Convenience retailers have a strong record of age verification and responsible sales, and we believe governments should be working with us rather than excluding us from the legal market," said RTQ spokesperson Michael Poulin.

The ICSA, RTQ and their regional partners continue to call on the federal government, and in particular Health Minister Marjorie Michel, to permit the sale of authorized nicotine pouches through licensed convenience retailers across Canada, subject to strict age-verification requirements.

Retailers Taking the Lead on Preventing Youth Access

ICSA also announced a new initiative examining technology that could further strengthen retailers' record of preventing sales of age-restricted products to minors.

Working with Canadian company Age Guardian Technology Inc., ICSA members will pilot artificial intelligence-based age-estimation technology in independent convenience stores. The technology analyzes facial characteristics in real time and alerts employees when an identification check is recommended, while leaving the final decision with the retailer.

"Our members take their responsibility to prevent sales to minors extremely seriously," said Hani Al-Shikarchy. "We already have a strong compliance record, but we should always be looking for ways to improve. Instead of simply imposing more restrictions on responsible businesses, governments should be working with retailers to explore how technology, training and enforcement can further prevent youth access."

The pilot will test the technology in real-world retail environments and gather feedback from participating retailers and employees. ICSA intends to share the results with governments and other stakeholders as part of a broader discussion about modernizing age-verification practices across Canada.

With the addition of the RTQ, ICSA will continue expanding its advocacy on issues affecting independent retailers, including regulatory burden, illegal tobacco and nicotine products, youth-access prevention and fair enforcement of existing laws.

"Whether you operate a neighbourhood store in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver, the principle should be the same," concluded Al-Shikarchy. "Responsible retailers who invest in their communities, employ Canadians, collect taxes and follow the law should have a voice when governments make decisions affecting their businesses.

"We are building that voice nationally, and welcoming the RTQ is an important step forward."

SOURCE Independent Convenience Store Alliance