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Possible Alberta cigarette plant draws warnings

While Alberta looks to attract investment beyond the oil sector, an Ontario based group hopes the government will put up some roadblocks for one industry.

Four Winds Tobacco Products is considering the possibility of putting up a cigarette manufacturing plant in Brooks, AB.

Gary Grant, spokesperson with the National Coalition Against Contraband Tobacco, said he is concerned the company will make cigarettes that won’t be taxed.

“We urge the government not to let that set up shop. We don’t want the contraband tobacco trade to get a foothold in Alberta like they have in Ontario, which is the worst in Canada.”

Grant said they’re concerned Alberta, with its recent flavour ban, is ripe to develop an underground, illegal tobacco industry.

A consultant for Four Winds Tobacco Products said the company, registered on a Mohawk reserve near Montreal, has no immediate plans to sell in Alberta, but may eventually try to market cigarettes on first nations reserves in western Canada.

The company wants to produce cigarettes there for export because Quebec has put a moratorium on new tobacco manufacturing.

(With files from the Canadian Press and 660 NEWS)

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