Federal Government Applauded for Focus on Contraband Tobacco; Advocates Await
Action

TORONTO, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT) applauds the federal government for its recent decision to focus its tobacco control efforts on the serious contraband tobacco problem that continues to plague Canada. The NCACT is anxious to hear what additional steps the government intends to take in order to eliminate the scourge of contraband tobacco in Canada.

"For too long, contraband tobacco has not been given the attention it deserves in this country" said Gary Grant, Staff Superintendent, Retired, Toronto Police Service, NCACT Spokesperson. "It is with great hope that we welcome Health Canada's expertise and resources to the fight against contraband tobacco" added Mr. Grant.

Health Canada's expertise is more urgently required than ever, with a recent study published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health revealing that 50% of Ontario youth smokers - who should not be smoking in the first place - are smoking contraband on a daily basis.  Contraband tobacco avoids all taxes, bears no health warnings, and provides minors easy access to cheap, unregulated cigarettes. It is our hope that Health Canada can provide a coordinating voice and lead a comprehensive contraband crackdown by the federal government.

We are calling on the federal government to implement some of the concrete actions they committed to earlier this year.  "The federal government has already promised to close down illegal manufacturing sites, roll-out a public awareness campaign and ensure border integrity" said Mr. Grant.  "With the leadership of Health Canada, we hope to see concrete action to implement these plans, and new innovative programs to combat contraband led by Health Canada". 

The NCACT will soon issue its second report card evaluating the federal government's fight against contraband tobacco. 

About NCACT

The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco is a Canadian advocacy group formed with the participation of businesses, organizations and individuals concerned about the growing danger of contraband cigarettes.  NCACT members share the goals of working together to educate people and urge government to take quick action to stop this growing threat.

The members of the NCACT include: Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA), Retail Council of Canada, National Convenience Stores Distributors Association (NACDA), Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council, Duty Free Association, Fédération des Chambres de Commerce du Québec (FCCQ), Conseil du Patronat du Québec (CPQ), l'Association des marchands dépanneurs et épiciers du Québec (AMDEQ), Toronto Crime Stoppers, and The Customs & Immigration Union (CIU).

For further information:

Media inquiries:  Kyle Olsen, 416-313-3031 ex. 226, [email protected]