Media Advisory - Anti-Contraband Spokesperson to Visit Communities Impacted by the Maritimes Illegal Cigarette Trade

FREDERICTON, July 25, 2016 /CNW/ -

Who:	Gary Grant, National Spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT)
What:	Mr. Grant will be visiting communities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that are most severely impacted by illegal cigarettes. He will be meeting with law enforcement groups and municipal, provincial and federal 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 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 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. More and more contraband tobacco is smuggled into the Maritimes every year, with evidence found through the numerous recent busts in multiple provinces. The NCACT believes that meaningful action is needed by all levels of governments to stop this problem before it grows even more.
When:	Mr. Grant will be available for interviews in the following communities:
	July 26^th, 2016 – Fredericton, NB
	July 27^th, 2016 – Saint John and Moncton, NB
	July 28^th, 2016 – Truro and New Glasgow, NS
	July 29^th, 2016 – Halifax, NS

About NCACT
The National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco is a Canadian advocacy group formed by organizations and associations 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 are: Association des détaillants en alimentation du Québec (ADA), Association des marchands dépanneurs et épiciers du Québec (AMDEQ), Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA), Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council, Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ), Customs and Immigration Union, Échec au crime Québec, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ), Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), National Convenience Stores Distributors Association (NACDA), Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Retail Council of Canada, Toronto Crime Stoppers, National Capital Area Crime Stoppers and United Korean Commerce and Industry Association (UKCIA).

SOURCE National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT)

To arrange interviews with Mr. Grant, please contact: Kyle Larkin, NCACT Public Affairs, Telephone: [phone] (office), 905-449-9077 (cell), Email: [email protected]