FEDERAL LEADERSHIP WOULD BOOST PROVINCIAL PROGRESS ON CONTRABAND

TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - Three years after its first event, the Atlantic Forum on Contraband Tobacco continues to highlight the need for federal leadership in tackling Canada's contraband tobacco market that is hurting government finances and making Canadian communities less safe.

The annual event hosted by Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH) on March 31, brings together small businesses, provincial law enforcement agencies, Crime Stoppers, and government officials in Moncton, New Brunswick. The Forum allowed attendees including the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, Public Safety New Brunswick, and the Organization for National Gang Information and Awareness to share information, strategies and tactics to combat contraband tobacco in Atlantic Canada.

Since the first Forum in 2024, individual jurisdictions, like New Brunswick with its 2026 Budget that restored funding for a dedicated contraband enforcement unit, have made progress by implementing anti-contraband measures within their powers. Outside of Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Alberta have also both implemented measures to combat this illicit trade.

From policies like housing, to health care, to the environment, Canada's federal government has recognized its leadership can produce better policy outcomes for the problems impacting Canadians. Federal leadership on contraband could bring coordination and funding to amplify provincial initiatives, share best practices and opportunities across our vast country, all the while making real progress in reducing Canada's massive illegal market.

Contraband tobacco is not a victimless crime; it hurts small business owners who follow the rules while also making our communities less safe. Contraband is controlled by, and directly funds, organized crime, including gun and drug trafficking, while increasing the risk of youth access to cigarettes. Simply put, criminals selling illegal tobacco are not checking ID.

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"Right now, provinces and territories are doing the best they can and are making some progress in beefing up enforcement and penalties of contraband within their individual jurisdictions. Federal leadership would turbo charge this progress and coordinate an approach to a national issue driving up crime and eating away government revenue in every jurisdiction across Canada." – Danny Fournier, Manager of Illicit Trade Prevention, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges.

About Rothmans, Benson & Hedges:

Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH), an affiliate of Philip Morris International Inc., is one of Canada's leading tobacco and nicotine companies and is working to deliver a smoke-free future. RBH is committed to sustainability and creating a positive impact on communities, the economy, and the environment. Currently, RBH employs nearly 800 people across the country with its headquarters in Toronto and a factory in Québec City. Discover more about the company at https://www.rbhinc.ca/ and stay updated on RBH's transformation by following Twitter and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.

Media Inquiries: Media Relations, Brayden Akers, Media Relations Lead, [email protected]