Alberta Business Owners Ignored By NDP Government

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 31, 2015) - Convenience store owners in Alberta have become the butt of NDP decision making.

Behind closed doors on a Sunday and through an executive decision by the Notley Cabinet, the Alberta Government has decided to ban menthol cigarettes. Small business owners were not consulted.

"This unilateral approach to decision making does not bode well for businesses across Alberta," said Andrew Klukas, President of the Western Convenience Stores Association. "All we wanted was a chance to speak to this government about the impact of their decision - on our stores and on community safety through the rise of illegal cigarettes. We were denied that chance."

"Convenience store owners and employees are on the front lines in the fight to stop tobacco getting into the hands of minors. We consider ourselves partners with the government on this issue. However this decision is like putting a welcome mat out for biker gangs and criminal organizations at Alberta's borders," said Klukas.

"We encourage the NDP to put more resources towards the existing 10% illegal tobacco rate in Alberta and, of course, to call us and take the time to listen to small businesses across Alberta."