For Immediate Release
December 2, 2008

ONTARIO LOSING $500 MILLION A YEAR TO ILLEGAL SMOKES – RUNCIMAN

McGuinty government a “100 pound weakling”

(Toronto, ON) – Next week’s report from Ontario’s Auditor General will reveal that the provincial government is losing at least $500 million/year in tax revenues to illegal cigarette sales according to Opposition Leader Bob Runciman.

“The McGuinty government claims that they are dealing with the situation, but the reality is they are turning a blind eye to illegal activities, even when they’re operating on government-owned land,” charged Runciman.

In the legislature today, Runciman called on the government to shut down illegal smoke shacks, one on government-owned land, operating with apparent impunity, in Haldimand County.

“In tough economic times, with families and communities suffering, food bank line-ups growing, this government is looking the other way as illegal activities siphon off at least $500 million/year,” asserted the MPP. “Mr. McGuinty and his colleagues would rather burden future taxpayers with a $500 million deficit than enforce the law.”

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Media Contact
Bob Runciman, MPP
(416) 325-1522