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Smuggling has existed in the world for as long as there have been controls and shortages of products. In Canada, cigarettes are high on the list of smuggled product. Taxes are high and smokers would rather flout the law than pay their taxes. As a result, the black market is booming for cheap cigarettes made in Canada and then smuggled back from the United States.

Present the class with the dilemma that faced governments in Canada. Taxes were raised on cigarettes to curb sales, smuggling of Canadian brands increased across the border from the U.S., and sales of smuggled goods at significantly reduced prices increased sales. Ask students what actions a government can take to deal with smuggling.

As a group, students will research the reasons, types, responses, and social acceptance of smuggling; take a position on the acceptability of the practice; and write a 300- to 500-word position paper detailing their perspective on smuggling, whether it is something that should be accepted or whether it is something that governments and society should abhor.

Have the groups present their findings and position papers to the class. In a class discussion, try to come to consensus on the issue of smuggling. Ask each student to respond to the following: You get the opportunity to save $1000 on a $2000 item by buying from a smuggler. What would you do and why?

Assessment Tip
In assessing the position papers of each group, look for a consistent argument, supported by at least three good points that clearly support the position.