Minister Blaney's Statement on World No Tobacco Day

OTTAWA, May 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

"Today, on World No Tobacco Day, Canada, along with countries around the world, is recognizing the global concerns of the illicit trade of tobacco products and its health, economic and social impacts.

Illicit tobacco remains an unacceptable threat to Canadian communities. It fuels the growth of organized crime, contributing to the increased availability of illegal drugs and guns.

Our Government has taken concrete action to combat the illicit manufacturing and cross-border smuggling of contraband tobacco, including passing the Tackling Contraband Tobacco Act that makes trafficking in contraband tobacco an offence under the Criminal Code and includes new mandatory minimum penalties for repeat offenders. This legislation, which came into force in April 2015, gives Canada's police forces an additional tool to target criminals who traffic in contraband tobacco.

There is no place for contraband tobacco in our communities. I encourage all Canadians to observe World No Tobacco Day and help support the global fight against contraband tobacco."

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

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