I would say that 90% of all contraband cigarettes in Canada come from plants on the American side of Akwesasne. These plants, with the exception of one, do not have an American federal permit. The fact remains that the products of these plants end up on the Canadian market. It is thus up to the United States federal government to fight this problem. It is in its interest to do so, but we must persevere. I am very pleased to learn that this question will be raised next week.
The Americans must realize that this is a matter of public safety. When they return to the United States, the smugglers transport drugs, firearms, and sometimes even people. Of all places along the Canada-U.S. border, it is the most vulnerable. On the Canadian side, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has given its political support to the enforcement of the laws and is working with the RCMP. It is different from several other aboriginal territories in this regard. So on the Canadian side, things are working fairly well.