TORONTO - The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) applauded this week??s announcement by the Harper government to introduce greater enforcement and penalties for those trafficking contraband tobacco.

"On behalf of the OCSA and alongside the Canadian Convenience Stores Association, I would like to congratulate the federal government for announcing its contraband tobacco initiatives yesterday," said CEO Dave Bryans, in a press release.

"Contraband tobacco is a major issue for our 7,500 retailers across Ontario, with significant consequences on community safety. The additional [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] officers, coupled with the increased penalties will hopefully have a significant impact in deterring contraband tobacco traffickers, who threaten the safety of Ontarians," said Bryans.

Working with its retailers, the OCSA is conducting a Communities Against Contraband Tobacco campaign, which asks municipal councils to support a motion encouraging further action on contraband tobacco. To date, more than 43% of Ontarians are represented by municipalities that have passed motions encouraging the Ontario Minister of Finance to follow through on 2012 budget commitments, which would see increased power for law enforcement in Ontario to deal with contraband offences.

"We are hopeful this renewed commitment will encourage dialogue between the federal and provincial government on ways to eliminate contraband, and that the province will follow suit in implementing its own budget commitments," he said.