The federal estimate
Health Canada’s strategy report says illegal tobacco represents an estimated 10 to 20% of Canada’s tobacco market and about $2 billion in lost tax revenue each year.
The Alberta entry
AGLC reported first-half 2026 seizures of more than 225,000 cartons with $13.5 million in provincial tax avoidance. Alberta’s tobacco tax page also notes that law-enforcement officers must report contraband tobacco seizures under section 24.2 of the Tobacco Tax Act.
The ask
Alberta now collects seizure reports. Before Bill 208 returns from committee, the province should publish what those reports show about illicit share, product type, and region, so MLAs can judge whether a new restriction would shift more demand off the tax base.