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A dozen cannabis producers from across Canada want to launch a co-operative in Alberta, where they would sell the drug online and in street-level stores — and they’re promising extra revenues for the government.

A day after the province reopened public consultations on a new cannabis market — leaving its options open on whether to pursue privately or publicly run stores — the Canadian Cannabis Co-op said its proposed retail model poses no risks or costs to taxpayers.

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“There is no reason for Alberta to dump hundreds of millions of dollars, or billions of dollars, to build out a retail network,” said Allan Rewak, of the Ontario producer and co-op member Newstrike Resources.

The co-op, featuring some highly valued producers including Aphria Inc. which is valued at $1 billion, and smaller players such as Newstrike, has pitched a model of 50 Alberta stores employing an estimated 500 people, with $30 million in annual wages.