Alberta Distributors Reach Out to NDP Government in Advance of Menthol Decision

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 29, 2015) - Convenience store distributors are extending a hand to the Notley Government to work together on joint issues such as community safety, economic and regulatory issues.

"As part of the small business community, we are looking forward to working with the NDP Government," said National Convenience Store Distributors Association of Canada (NACDA) President, Anne Kothawala. "Albertans voted for change and we want to be a part of the conversation about how the province can continue to grow."

One issue small businesses are keen to address is the regulation of flavoured tobacco. History has demonstrated that when products are banned, it impacts both distributors and consumers as people turn to the illegal market.

The net result is in fact exactly the opposite of what the government is setting out to do, with youth having increased access to tobacco via the illegal market.

"We are hopeful that the Notley government will take the time to explore this issue from the business to public safety perspective - from distribution to tax collection and finally, age verification and youth access."

"We support initiatives that keep tobacco out of the hands of youth but this decision appears to be based on emotion rather than fact. This deadline is quickly approaching and we would appreciate some certainty on this file. We encourage Premier Notley and her Cabinet to engage with us to ensure all aspects and implications of a menthol ban are considered and those negatively affected by this decision are heard," says Eric Rolheiser, President of Core-Mark Canada and NACDA Board Member.

About NACDA

NACDA, the National Convenience Stores Distributors Association of Canada, represents the interests of independent and institutional distributor-wholesalers and those of manufacturer-suppliers in Canada who serve the convenience and grocery store market.