Imperial Tobacco Canada participates in public consultations on the review of the Quebec Tobacco Act

Imperial Tobacco Canada applauds open consultation process and urges vigilance on the volatile contraband tobacco market

MONTREAL, Aug. 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Imperial Tobacco Canada welcomes the opportunity it was given today to express its views on the Rapport sur la mise en oeuvre de la Loi sur le tabac (2010) at the Quebec legislature hearings, and appreciates the Quebec government process in consulting with all concerned and affected parties.

"Imperial Tobacco Canada recognizes the health risks associated with smoking and this is why we support reasonable and evidence-based regulations, particularly those related to keeping tobacco products out of the hands of kids, while respecting the rights of adults who have made the decision to smoke" said Eric Gagnon, Director of Corporate Affairs, who delivered the company brief before the Committee on Health and Social Services today. "Tobacco products should only be consumed by adults who have made an informed decision knowing the health risks."

Imperial Tobacco Canada looks forward to a balanced process and discussion on the 2010 Report, the current state of tobacco control in Quebec and how the province plans to address the problem of illegal tobacco sales that continue to undermine all tobacco regulation enacted in the province.

"Imperial Tobacco Canada abides by over 200 laws and regulations and pays all applicable taxes on the sale of tobacco products," said Mr. Gagnon. "Unfortunately, there seems to be two sets of laws in Quebec as the illegal traffickers are left free to manufacture and sell their products outside of any regulatory or legislative framework.  As a law abiding corporate citizen, the hypocrisy of the situation is very frustrating," concluded Mr. Gagnon.

If the government of Quebec is really concerned with public health, Imperial Tobacco Canada invites them to further crack-down on illegal tobacco which undermines all efforts at tobacco control.  Illegal tobacco traffickers disregard the laws and regulations governing the manufacture and sale of tobacco products, provide the availability of cheap tobacco products to youth, fund criminal organizations within Quebec communities, and deprive the Quebec government of millions of dollars in lost tax revenue.

SOURCE: Imperial Tobacco Canada

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