Canada
Ahead of provincial hearings into a bill banning the sale of menthol cigarettes in Quebec, an advocacy group wants the government to apply the proposed law on the aboriginal tobacco industry.
But representatives from Kahnawake’s cigarette trade say the province has no jurisdiction in Mohawk territory, a sentiment echoed by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard’s Liberal government says it cannot impose regulations on a section of the industry that largely operates outside the law.
Though First Nations have a constitutionally guaranteed right to grow tobacco on reserves, their tax-free sale to non-aboriginals is illegal (which is why aboriginal cigarettes are often referred to as contraband).
In Kahnawake — the heart of Canada’s billion-dollar aboriginal cigarette trade — the band council is set to impose regulations on the reserve’s tobacco producers.
Tobacco is Kahnawake’s economic engine and by far the territory’s largest employer — accounting for jobs in cigarette factories, storage, shipment, and wholesaling.
But the council and industry insiders are quick to point out that their product meets the quality and safety standards set by Quebec.