Madam Speaker, I would like to present a petition on behalf of the members of the Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association, a large of number who live and work in my riding of Willowdale. The petition is entitled “Say No To Contraband Tobacco”.
The petitioners state that the illicit tobacco trade presents a serious threat to public safety in Canada and that profits from illegal tobacco products fund other criminal activities, such as drug and gun trafficking. The rise of organized criminal activity in the contraband tobacco market threatens the safety of all Canadians. These cheap, easily accessible and untaxed contraband cigarettes are widespread among youth. For small family-run convenience stores, contraband tobacco is the number one enemy facing them. Convenience stores get more than 50% of their sales from legal sale of tobacco and their sale of tobacco has been decreased rapidly for last few years due to contraband tobacco. Market share of contraband tobacco in Ontario is estimated as 35% and increasing at an alarming rate.
The petitioners ask the Government of Canada to fight against illicit tobacco vigorously and continuously.