Tobacco Prices

Published on August 1, 2008 2:51 AM

A representative for Saskatchewan First Nations is not burning with enthusiasm to boost on-reserve tobacco prices.

Cigarettes sold on-reserve to people with treaty cards are tax-exempt and often several dollars a pack cheaper than cigarettes sold off reserve.

The cigarettes are sold for less to members of First Nations because they’re exempt from provincial taxes. Lynn Greaves, vice-president of the Saskatchewan Coalition for Tobacco Reduction, says: “Getting rid of cheap cigarettes on-reserve will help cut smoking rates. Tobacco taxation has been noticed to be the strongest tobacco reduction measure that exists in the world today.” Her team calls to set their own levy to make up the difference in order to dissuade people from an unhealthy habit.

Morley Watson, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-chief, said: “If these [health] organizations are so concerned about Indians using tobacco, then I think they should help out financially so we can get that message out there a lot quicker to a lot more people. I have other issues on my mind, such as making sure First Nations get the full cigarette tax rebate from the province that they’re entitled to. I think it’s going to be surprising … how much is owed to our First Nation community stores. That’s something we’re working on as we speak.”