Kiaro in La Ronge is scheduled to open by mid-May. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

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Hiring has ended at La Ronge’s soon-to-be cannabis retail store Kiaro and management plans to open within the next six weeks.

That’s according to Executive Vice-President Andrew Gordon who stated 10 local residents were hired to operate the store when it opens anytime from late-April to mid-May. He said the opening of the store has been impacted by construction delays and the company is currently finalizing a timeline to do so.

“Kiaro has been really conscious of the need to create jobs in the community and consequently hiring was done locally with nearly all of our employees local to La Ronge,” he said. “We have a strong belief of putting people first and investing in training. We really enable our consultants to educate and guide consumers through the entire retail experience and we look to hire professionals who align with our core values: Accountability, collaboration, creativity and courage.”

A manager was hired to supervise employees at the store, whom Gordon noted would be announced soon as training and development comes to an end with the individual. When the store opens, he noted customers can expect a welcoming environment which represents the Kiaro brand. Staff will also be educated on the products and will answer any questions the public has about cannabis.

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Gordon also hopes to meet with Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy-Cook Searson in the coming months, adding he has already met with some councillors. The LLRIB was one of three First Nations in Saskatchewan to receive a cannabis permit from the provincial government, but council decided to postpone the decision of opening a store back in October. Gordon stated First Nations communities felt there was a lack of consultation regarding the granting of licenses and he understand their concerns surrounding legalization.

“We really want to make sure we’re demonstrating an ongoing commitment to open dialogue and to addressing any community concerns or challenges,” he said. “We always find when you engage, inform and empower, you can really change hearts and minds to end the stigma around cannabis use. We look forward to a positive exchange with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band moving forward.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno