For immediate release
January 21, 2008

Government has lost control of the tobacco market
Ontario Convenience Stores Association testifies before Finance Committee

Queen’s Park – Illicit tobacco is ruining corner stores, according to Finance Committee testimony of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association, and is robbing the Ontario government of about $600 million annually in taxes.

“I am not sure if allowing this illegal trade to continue is the Premier’s way of being politically correct,” Barrett commented following committee hearings today. “Whatever the reason, it is no excuse for this government losing control of the tobacco market.”

Barrett went on to say that the current climate makes it impossible for corner stores, farmers and legitimate tobacco companies to compete with the illegal trade.

“Allowing an illegal market undermines this government’s very own anti-tobacco policy,” Barrett said. “People buy smokes out of the trunks of cars because they are significantly cheaper, and for under age smokers there’s no worry that anyone will ask for ID.

“Lowering taxes and increasing enforcement is the answer,” Barrett said. “It’s basic economics, yet this government refuses to admit the wisdom of that approach. In the meantime, along with illicit tobacco come other criminal elements that I feel are putting some of our communities at risk.”

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For more information please contact MPP Barrett at 1-800-903-8629