Convenience Store Distributors Support Enactment of Bill C-10 in Fight Against Contraband Tobacco

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 14, 2015) - The National Convenience Stores Distributors' Association (NACDA) was pleased to see Bill C-10 coming into force earlier today in Moncton, NB.

"Our members have long suffered from the impact of contraband tobacco and the full implementation of C-10 today is a positive step in our ongoing battle," says Anne Kothawala, President of NACDA. "We would like to thank the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice, for following through on government commitments to fight illegal tobacco."

Contraband tobacco poses a serious threat to community safety in all regions of Canada, through its ties to organized crime, its link to drugs and illegal weapons trafficking, as well as its accessibility to youth. The distributors are hopeful that C-10 will provide necessary resources to the RCMP and police forces across Canada to work to eradicate this issue.

The announcement of C-10's enforcement today is a victory for the convenience store retail and distribution industry in Canada and its members are hopeful the new law will effectively deter traffickers of illegal tobacco.

"We are proud to be long-standing partners with governments in the collection of taxes on tobacco products. Furthermore, we work closely with our retail customers to help prevent youth from accessing legal tobbaco products. Any efforts to clamp down on the illegal traffickers who offer untaxed, unregulated and non-age restricted products are welcome by our industry," says Karl Vokey, General Manager, TRA Atlantic and NACDA Board member.

"Distributors support any effort taken to combat the trafficking and distribution of contraband in our communities," adds Kothawala. "We will continue to support any government that follows through on its commitment to fight illegal tobacco."

About NACDA

NACDA, the National Convenience Stores Distributors Association of Canada, represents the interests of independent and institutional distributor-wholesalers and those of manufacturer-suppliers in Canada who serve the convenience and grocery store market.