From: The Hamilton Spectator
By Nicole O’Reilly
OHSWEKEN — Six Nations tobacco businesses and traditional government representatives are firming up details to regulate the industry while the community waits to see when a new law criminalizing contraband tobacco will be tested.
It’s been nearly a month since Bill C-10 came into effect, criminalizing the trafficking of contraband tobacco. The law has been heralded by police, tobacco companies and safety groups as a tool to curb illegal tobacco.
But for First Nations, including Six Nations, it has been viewed as an unfair attack on their rights. It’s estimated more than 2,000 jobs on the local reserve are tied to their tobacco industry, through large-scale production and small “mom and pop” shops.
In February, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council — the area’s traditional government — voted on a draft self-regulation framework for Six Nations tobacco manufacturers.
