RBH Execs Urge Canadian Senate to Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Market
Event summary
- Rothmans, Benson & Hedges (RBH) executives appeared before the Canadian Senate Committee on September 25, 2026, to advocate for stronger policies against illicit tobacco and nicotine products.
- RBH's Director of Scientific Engagement, Pascal Michel, and Director of Illicit Trade Prevention, Danny Fournier, highlighted the need for consistent, enforceable policies to protect Canadians.
- RBH launched the 'Patchwork Doesn't Work' campaign to address the fragmented approach to nicotine policy in Canada.
- Illicit market penetration in some regions of Canada is reported to be between 30% and 50%.
- RBH urged policymakers to focus on populations with disproportionately high smoking rates.
The big picture
RBH's push for stronger policies against illicit tobacco and nicotine products comes as Canada grapples with a fragmented regulatory approach. The company's advocacy aligns with broader industry trends towards harm reduction and the need for consistent, enforceable policies to protect public health. The strategic anomaly here is the significant illicit market penetration, which undermines public health measures and poses a challenge to RBH's business model.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Headwinds
- How the Canadian Senate's response to RBH's advocacy will shape future tobacco and nicotine regulations.
- Illicit Market Dynamics
- The pace at which Canada can reduce illicit market penetration through stronger enforcement and policy changes.
- Public Health Impact
- Whether evidence-based information for adult smokers will be effectively communicated to support informed decision-making.