New EY report: as organized crime takes over the tobacco market, small businesses that follow the rules and the taxpayers who fund public services are picking up the tab OTTAWA, ON (NOVEMBER 2, 2026) — Up to one in every two cigarettes sold in Ontario, and nearly one in two in British Columbia, is now
Up to one in every two cigarettes sold in Ontario is now illegal. With a $16.9 billion deficit, the province can’t afford to hand its tobacco tax to organized crime; convenience stores call for urgent enforcement reform TORONTO, ON (NOVEMBER 2, 2026) — Up to one in every two cigarettes sold in Ontario is now
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada, representing more than 21,000 locations and 186,000 workers nationwide, is applauding Members of Parliament and Senators for their quick action to pass Bill C-38 – An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act (extension of the federal fuel excise tax relief). This will help both Canadians and small businesses
Corner Stores Applaud Fuel Tax Relief for Canadians Read More »
The following is a statement from Anne Kothawala, President and CEO of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, on the extension of the federal fuel excise tax relief: “Extending fuel excise tax relief is helpful for both drivers and local store operators. Convenience retailers operate on razor-thin margins and see firsthand how volatile pump prices
Statement on the Extension of the Federal Fuel Excise Tax Relief Read More »
Under-16 sales ban skips public education, penalizes the most compliant retailers, and was passed without meaningful consultation The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) is deeply disappointed by the Quebec National Assembly’s passage of legislation banning the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16. While the convenience industry shares the goal
Convenience Industry Council of Canada Disappointed by Quebec’s Rushed Energy Drink Ban Read More »
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) applauds the Ontario government for taking decisive action against the growing illicit contraband nicotine market, through measures announced in today’s provincial budget. “By adopting our repeated calls for action, the government is delivering tangible benefits for Ontario residents, law enforcement, responsible retailers and the province as a whole.”
CICC Welcomes Ontario Budget Measures to Combat Contraband Tobacco Read More »
[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
We are pleased to announce that CICC is the founding association partner of the Outstanding Independents Awards Canada, a new national awards program, launched by Convenience Store News Canada (CSNC). Independent retailers bring agility, deep local knowledge, and personal commitment to the communities they serve, yet they’re facing real challenges. Canada has lost nearly one in five convenience stores since 2016, with independents hit hardest, especially in
CICC Supports New Outstanding Independents Awards Canada Program Read More »
Statement from Anne Kothawala, President and CEO of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada “The recently reported rise of contraband nicotine products in Canada is an issue that the Convenience Industry Council of Canada has been sounding the alarm on for years. These items are illegal, fund organized crime, and are increasingly being accessed by
Statement on the Rise of Contraband Nicotine Read More »
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC), Shopper Marketing Media and Datalytica have partnered to launch the State of the Industry Report Digital Companion, a new interactive tool that brings CICC’s annual State of the Industry Report (SOI) to life. Available exclusively to CICC members, this digital companion provides 6 years of historical SOI data
