For immediate release:
April 2, 2008

RULE OF LAW UP IN SMOKE UNDER DALTON MCGUINTY: RUNCIMAN

Law abiding Ontarians shoulder burden
while government allows sale of illegal smokes

(Queen’s Park) – Interim Opposition Leader Bob Runciman today condemned the McGuinty Liberals for not cracking down on the sale of illegal cigarettes and instead asking law abiding families to shoulder the burden with higher taxes.

“There are no taxes being collected on these cigarettes and the government is simply allowing this to happen. The government is turning a blind eye to illegal operations, some with ties to organized crime who use the profits to purchase illegal guns,” charged Runciman. “Instead of shrugging their shoulders over the loss of $600 million dollars and whacking law-abiding Ontarians with a new $60 million tire tax, the McGuinty Liberals should get to work enforcing the rule of law.”

In the Legislature today, Runciman said it is estimated that one in three cigarettes smoked in Ontario today is contraband. Police and anti-smoking groups agree that illegal cigarettes now account for 25 to 30 per cent of tobacco consumption in the province. It’s estimated that this represents $600 million in lost revenue per year.

Runciman also cited an illegal smoke shop operating on land owned by the provincial government located near a high school, as an example of the government’s complacency on the issue.

“Dalton McGuinty is standing idly by while his own government participates in a situation that is putting the health and safety of our children at risk,” said Runciman. “Our young people and all Ontarians deserve better.”

-30-

For more information:

Michelle Pennell
(416) 325-9109