Mr. Speaker, yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the release of the RCMP's contraband tobacco enforcement strategy.
The RCMP notes that the growing trade in contraband tobacco challenges health objectives to reduce tobacco consumption; provides easy and unmonitored accessibility to tobacco by Canada's youth; requires increased criminal justice spending; supports other criminal activities, such as drug and gun trafficking; and takes away hundreds of millions of dollars annually from the government.
The illicit trade in tobacco products presents a serious threat to health and public safety in Canada.
Over a year ago, the government's own police service recommended a multi-jurisdictional and multi-departmental solution to reduce the tide of contraband tobacco. Nothing has been done.
When is the government going to heed its own advice and keep illegal cigarettes out of the hands of children?