TORONTO – The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA)
applauds the inclusion of anti-contraband tobacco measures in the provincial
budget tabled yesterday. The Wynne government announced consideration of
amendments to the Tobacco Tax Act that would include increased fines for those
convicted of illegal tobacco offences, forfeiture of illegal seized tobacco
items and strengthening provisions to improve the statute in meeting the
government's commitments.
"On behalf of the OCSA, I would like to commend the
Ontario government for taking appropriate steps towards combatting this serious
issue," said CEO Dave Bryans. "Contraband tobacco is not only a major
issue for our 7,500 retailers across Ontario but as we've seen throughout our
municipal campaign, communities across the province want the provincial
government to act."
The government's enhanced enforcement measures are expected
to generate an additional $350 million in revenue over the next four years.
A recent study by Abacus Data shows that more than 70% of
Ontarians recognize that contraband tobacco leads to negative effects on
government revenues, an increase in organized crime and youth access to the
product. "Certainly, youth access to tobacco is a major concern and our
retailers are the only gatekeeper to ensuring that minors cannot have this
product," said Bryans.
The OCSA also applauds the Government for acknowledging the
threat of increased tobacco smuggling surrounding the movement of the Cornwall
border. The proposed movement of the border has raised concern for retailers,
given the continued persistence and presence of contraband in Cornwall.
The OCSA is continuing its Communities Against Contraband
Tobacco campaign, reaching out to municipalities across the province and has
also recently launched an in-store
awareness campaign to engage customers about the dangers of contraband.
"We are hopeful that these commitments will assist in keeping Ontarians
safe while ensuring that illegal tobacco stays out of the hands of our
youth."