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Imperial Tobacco Canada to governments: Do your job and stop illegal tobacco sales 

In a speech delivered today at the Economic Club of Canada, Benjamin J. Kemball, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Tobacco Canada said, "Despite supposedly world renowned tobacco control policies, over one third of the Canadian tobacco industry has been handed over to an illegal, unregulated, un-enforced and un-taxed free for all and tobacco control is collapsing around us."

Imperial Tobacco Canada believes that something should and can be done now. "Let's get someone in charge - a senior government official would be a good start. Let's get the laws enforced. Let's control the supply of raw material and machinery. Let's get taxes applied, including perhaps a revenue sharing agreement on a First Nations tax, equivalent to the Provincial Tobacco Tax," said Mr. Kemball. "This would facilitate tobacco control across Canada, including the reserves that could benefit from the proceeds of this tax. Let's bring everyone involved to the table, from the health authorities to the First Nation communities."

"The irony is that the tobacco industry is not alone in this call. Community groups, retailers, business groups, health groups are also calling for government action," added Mr. Kemball. "It is not everyday that you get tobacco companies and health groups asking for the same thing. When you do, isn't it time to listen?"

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