Media Advisory - Anti-Contraband Spokesperson To Visit Communities Along Ontario's "Contraband Trail"

OTTAWA, Feb. 10, 2012 /CNW/ -

Who:	Gary Grant, National Spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT)
What:	Grant will be visiting communities along the 401, Ontario's "Contraband Trail", to meet with affected businesses and community decision makers to discuss the challenges of illegal cigarettes. He is also available for media interviews.
Why:	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. The NCACT believes that meaningful action is needed by the provincial and federal governments to stop this problem.
When:	February 15^th-17^th. Mr. Grant will be available for interviews in the following communities at the times listed.
	Cornwall: February 15^th, 9:00AM-11:00AM Brockville: February 15^th, 12:30PM-2:30PM Gananonoque: February 15^th, 3:30PM-5:00PM Kingston: February 16^th: 7:00AM-10:30AM Belleville/Trenton: February 16^th: 12:00PM-2:00PM Cobourg: February 16^th: 3:30PM-4:30PM Whitby/Oshawa: February 17^th: 9:00AM-12:00PM

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, National Citizen's coalition, The Customs & Immigration Union (CIU), the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

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