Smuggling

Taxation opponents' key argument is the threat of renewed smuggling. Discussion of the validity of these claims is provided:

• Tobacco Control: Myths and Realities. The Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco. Michael Perley, Director. February 2003.

• Health groups urge lawsuit on tobacco taxes: Letter to federal Minister of Justice, Martin Cauchon (January 13, 2003)

• Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and the smuggling of cigarettes into Canada. Non-Smokers' Rights Association.

• The Smuggling of Tobacco Products. Testimony before the United States Senate Democratic Task Force on Tobacco. Testimony by David Sweanor, Senior Legal Counsel. May 4, 1998.

The sale of contraband cigarettes is becoming a serious problem in society. In 2006, Imperial Tobacco Canada released a study, "Tobacco Product Illicit Trade Phenomena", citing that 16.5% cigarettes smoked in Canada are contraband. A follow-up study was released in August 2007 and claimed that the percentage of contraband cigarettes smoked in Canada has increased to 22%.

In April 2007, the Canadian Coalition for Action on Tobacco launched Project CATCH: the Campaign for Action on Tobacco Contraband and Health. To view the Coalition's news release, click here.