Federal Government must keep border Point of Entry in Cornwall to thwart
contraband tobacco smugglers
Announcement of new Seaway International Bridge for Cornwall makes no mention of permanent border crossing details
TORONTO, Aug. 12 /CNW/ - With its announcement of the long-awaited new bridge crossing for Cornwall now made, the Government of Canada is being reminded by the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco (NCACT) that it is critical the permanent location for the border point of entry remain in Cornwall, and not shift back to Cornwall Island or to the U.S. side of the border.
Cornwall, Ontario remains the epicentre of contraband tobacco smuggling in Canada, with upwards of 90% of the illegal tobacco sold in Canada coming from this area. However, an interim decision last year to move the border crossing point of entry off Cornwall Island and into the City of Cornwall made it more difficult for smugglers to move illegal cigarettes from the Akwesasne reserve across the international border into Ontario and from there across Canada. Prior to this move, illegal cigarettes skirted the border point of entry on Cornwall Island and flowed unchecked into Canada.
The government has not yet announced a permanent location for the border point of entry, though there can be little doubt its move to the present location in the City of Cornwall has dramatically tightened border security.
The NCACT believes it is critical the point of entry remain in the City of Cornwall. Any shift from the current location will undoubtedly benefit the 175 organized crime groups known to be behind the lucrative trade in illegal cigarettes, which is costing governments more than $2.4 billion in tax revenues each year.
About NCACT
NCACT members share the goals of working together to educate people and urging government to take quick action to stop the growing threat of contraband tobacco. Its members include: Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA), Retail Council of Canada, National Convenience Stores Distributors Association (NACDA), Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council, Duty Free Association, Fédération des Chambres de Commerce du Québec (FCCQ), Conseil du Patronat du Québec (CPQ), l'Association des marchands dépanneurs et épiciers du Québec (AMDEQ), Toronto Crime Stoppers, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and The Customs & Immigration Union (CIU).
For further information: For further information: Media inquires: John Perenack, [email protected], 416.238.2576
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