Speaker

Gary Sands is Sr. Vice President Policy & Advocacy with CFIG and has been with the association for 25 years.   Gary has extensive experience in government at the political level as a Chief of Staff.   Gary also helped develop and pilot through the Legislature, landmark reforms to municipal governance, elections and financing ̶ changes that still stand today. During his tenure with CFIG he was elected the Chair of the Small Business Matters Coalition, composed of over 23 national trade associations which at the time of its existence, was the largest voice for business organizations in Canada.  The Coalition helped spearhead reductions in Canada’s small business tax rate, credit card interchange fees and an accelerated Capital Cost write off for equipment. Gary was part of the Interim Board of Directors that brought to fruition Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct. He is also a recipient of CFIG's Spirit of the Independent Award. Gary was inducted into the Grocery Business Hall of Fame in 2025.