Media Advisory - Anti-Contraband Spokesperson Available to Discuss Expected Outcomes from the Ontario Provincial Budget

OTTAWA, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ -

Who:	Gary Grant, National Spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT), a 39 year veteran of the Toronto Police Service
What:	Gary Grant is available for comment on what is expected in the Ontario provincial budget and what that means for community safety and the contraband tobacco problem in Ontario.
Why:	Yesterday it was reported that tobacco taxes are expected to rise.  NCACT warns the province of Ontario that an increase in provincial tobacco taxes will fuel Ontario's booming illegal cigarette industry and help fund organized crime. Contraband tobacco is a major problem in Canada, particularly in Ontario.
	Illegal cigarettes fund the activities of more than 175 criminal gangs, including drugs, guns, and human smuggling. Contraband's low price and easy availability also makes it a prime source of youth smoking. With the Ontario budget being released today, it is essential that meaningful action be taken by the provincial government to stop this problem.
When:	May 1^st 2014   10:00am- 3:00pm (pre-budget release) 4:30pm onward (post-budget budget commentary)

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, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council, National Convenience Stores Distributors Association (NACDA), Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Frontier Duty Free Association, Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers, 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, Quebec Crime Stoppers, Quebec Association of Food Retailers, The Customs & Immigration Union (CIU), the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

SOURCE: National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT)

To arrange interviews with Mr. Grant, please contact: Mike Powell, NCACT Public Affairs, Telephone: [phone] (cell), 1-866-566-5961 (office), Email: [email protected]