Finance committee  I'm not sure. The only thing I would say is that the most recent CTUMS data put out by Statistics Canada is indicating that there is a slight increase in some places in people smoking, which some of the public health groups claim is a result of very low-priced product being available.

Finance committee  At present for the baggies coming off the first nations reserves, none of the regulations are being applied. It's very difficult for me to see how suddenly a new stamping put on all the legal products is going to have an impact on the contraband trade.

Finance committee  With regard to your first point, I've been taking French lessons twice a week and unfortunately am not making much progress. To the second point--and I appreciate the suggestion--I did follow up with that correspondence. I am, I suppose, as--

Finance committee  The reason I'm a non-smoker is that I recognize that smoking carries real and serious health risks. I personally understand that, and my company recognizes that as well. With regard to the second point, I don't believe that my company promotes smoking. We offer brands to adults who are aware of the health risks.

Finance committee  Yes. In regard to the first point, I believe in the fundamental principle that an informed adult has the right to choose, which is probably why I feel comfortable working for this company. Regarding the second point you raised, certainly our company is losing hundreds of millions of dollars, but I didn't think that was of concern to this committee, whereas I think the issues I raised regarding the availability of these products to children, the impact illegal tobacco is having on small business, the fact that it is not abiding by any of the regulations, and the fact that it supports organized crime are a concern to all of us, whether you like a cigarette company or not.

Finance committee  There is absolutely zero contribution on the part of my company, and I believe that has been validated by the RCMP as well.

Finance committee  I certainly hope it is true of all of the legal manufacturers.

Finance committee  On the first question, one of the main problems in solving this problem is that it's a political hot potato. You go to one department and they say it's the responsibility of another department, and that continues at the provincial level as well. So having someone who can coordinate across all of the different government departments is essential.

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I suspect there are some people in this room who do not like the products we sell. However, I am going to ask that you listen to this message I have to deliver today, regardless of your views of my industry. I would also add that I am a non-smoker. For too long governments at all levels and of all political stripes have ignored a problem that poses a grave threat to public safety, robs governments of billions of dollars annually, and forces the closure of small businesses.