In an ironic twist, the biggest manufacturer of Native cigarettes in Canada is suing the federal government for $3 billion for failing to stop the proliferation of contraband tobacco producers.
The lawsuit, filed in the Ontario Court of Appeal at the end of June by Grand River Enterprises’ Jerry Montour and three other principals in the company, accuses the Attorney General of Canada of “malfeasance in public office, negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of aboriginal rights.”
The foursome, all status Indians, is seeking $1.5 billion in damages for revenues allegedly lost to the approximately 50 unlicensed and therefore illegal cigarette manufacturers in the province competing with their…
