[HALIFAX] The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) says that it welcomes the Government of New Brunswick’s commitment to combat contraband tobacco through the creation of a dedicated enforcement team. The $1.2 million investment was announced by the Government in Monday’s budget.
According to the association, illegal tobacco undermines legitimate local retailers, reduces critical provincial tax revenues, and fuels organized criminal activity. Law-abiding convenience store operators across New Brunswick continue to face unfair competition from the growing contraband market.
“Investing in enforcement is a necessary step to protect responsible retailers and push back against the illegal market,” said Mike Hammoud, vice president, Atlantic at the CICC. “Contraband tobacco continues to hurt small businesses and communities across the region, and a stronger, coordinated response will help restore fairness in the marketplace.”
Hammoud says that the convenience store industry fully supports the province’s investment in enhanced enforcement capacity as an important step toward protecting responsible retailers and restoring a level playing field. A coordinated and sustained approach to enforcement is essential to disrupt illegal supply chains and ensure compliance across the marketplace.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with government and enforcement partners to support these efforts and to advance additional measures that deter contraband activity and strengthen the integrity of the legal tobacco market.”
About the Convenience Industry Council of Canada
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada represents the interests of convenience retailers across the country, advocating for policies that support responsible retailing, economic growth, and community safety.
Media contact:
Mike Hammoud
Vice President, Atlantic Division
Convenience Industry Council of Canada
[email protected]
902.880.9733
