What do we know now?
Join us to hear from our expert panel on how legalization has affected business in Nova Scotia.
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Speakers & Panelists
Moderated by:
Shawn King
Executive Creative Director, Civilized
Podcast host: Turning A New Leaf
Highly respected by clients, creatives, strategists, developers, and client services alike - Shawn King is an agency Partner and Executive Creative Director with 25 years of experience to back it up. He's an Amazing Race Canada competitor who's one part Jagger, one part Sam Crow, but all business.
Shawn loves to debate, loves ideas, and he loves to keep things simple. He gets goosebumps when he sees great work - and optimistic when there's more work to do. And with a genuine and personable approach to business, his work and people - working with Shawn is truly something special.
As host of "Turning A New Leaf" - a podcast dedicated to the legalization and regulation of recreational cannabis in Canada - Shawn's goal is to provide a forum for conversation, perspective and learning as he invites his guests to discuss the unlimited perspectives on such an intriguing topic. From lawyers and doctors, to growers, pro athletes and everything in between, Shawn questions all points of view and is a voice for us all, as we navigate history in the making.
Internationally recognized and nationally regarded, Shawn's passion for creativity, common sense and drive continues to push him and his teams toward new and exciting horizons. Someone once said "common sense ain't so common." That's because Shawn took it all. He's a helluva guy that you want in your corner.
Myrna Gillis, QC, LLB, BA
Founder & CEO, Aqualitas
Myrna Gillis, QC is a lawyer, disabilities advocate and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in business. She is the founder and CEO of Aqualitas, the largest licensed producer of cannabis in Nova Scotia, Canada and has lead initiatives in cannabis research, product development, international import and export. Under her leadership, Aqualitas has raised $22 million in non-brokered funds in the exempt market, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in research grants and credits for award-winning technologies and innovations in the cannabis sector. Aqualitas is a woman-led, environmentally sustainable producer, the only Clean Green certified producer in Canada and will soon be the only Canadian licensed producer that is GMP European ICH compliant with organically grown certification. Myrna was named Bronze Business Leader of the Year by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce at its 2019 Business Awards for her leadership in rural economic development, innovation and environmental sustainability. She received her Queen?s Counsel designation in 2014 for exceptional merit, ethics and contribution to the legal profession.
Ian Brown
Labour & Employment Law, BOYNECLARKE LLP
Ian is an Associate and member of the Business Law Team and the Creditor Practice Team, focusing on Labour and Employment Law as well as mortgage enforcement and debt recovery. He has appeared at all levels of Court in Nova Scotia as well before various administrative tribunals such as the Worker?s Compensation Appeals Tribunal and the Labour Board.
In his spare time Ian enjoys playing the guitar, camping and spending time with his family and friends. He is conversant in Japanese and is a member of the Japanese Society of Halifax. Ian also practices Karate and is a member of the Metro Karate Training Centre in Dartmouth.
Tim Pellerin
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, NSLC
Tim joined the NSLC Executive Team in May 2010 and is responsible for our retail store operations and for the evolution of the NSLC brand. Tim provides strategic leadership in all marketing, merchandising, insights and corporate social responsibility initiatives to enhance the customer experience, while also leading all network strategy and real estate development. A native of Nova Scotia, Tim returned after working in British Columbia, Ontario and Wisconsin. With more than 19 years of sales and marketing experience, Tim has a strong track record of using customer research to develop comprehensive and successful marketing and merchandising plans. Immediately prior to joining the NSLC team, Tim was VP of Marketing for Canada at the Clorox Company, where he led the marketing initiatives for brands such as Clorox, GLAD, Pine-Sol, Bria, Armour-All and Hidden Valley Ranch.
In his spare time, Tim has completed his Professional Sommelier and WSET Diploma designations.
Nick Beynon
Chief Executive Officer,
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Nova Scotia
Nick Beynon, CPHR, is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) of Nova Scotia as of February 2019 after providing strategic level leadership to Admiral Insurance for over eight years as the Director of Human Resources and Corporate Services leading HR and various other departments. Nick has volunteered in multiple boards and committees throughout the HR community within Nova Scotia, Ontario and as well on a national level in Canada.
CPHR Nova Scotia represents, influences, and advances the Human Resources Profession to influence workplaces in Nova Scotia. Nick is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and was the recipient of CPHR Nova Scotia's 2015 HR Award of Excellence.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys getting outdoors whether its winter sports or summer outdoor activities with his family and friends.