Zonnic, a Canadian brand of nicotine pouches produced by Imperial Tobacco Canada, has publicly criticized Conservative MP Jamil Jivani for promoting the imported brand Zyn, which is not authorized for sale in the country. Jivani's actions, including public appearances with Zyn products on university campuses, raise concerns about the impact on the domestic nicotine market and the potential normalization of illicit trade.

Eric Gagnon, the vice president of Imperial Tobacco, emphasized that the promotion of unauthorized products like Zyn undermines the regulatory efforts to maintain a safe and legal marketplace for nicotine products in Canada. He expressed apprehension over the increasing prevalence of illicit nicotine pouches and urged politicians to be cautious about endorsing products that encourage illegal sales.

The situation reflects a broader concern regarding the burgeoning grey market for nicotine products in Canada, as evidenced by the popularity of brands like Zyn among young consumers. This debate carries implications not only for public health and legal compliance but also challenges domestic manufacturers like Imperial Tobacco that adhere to Canadian regulations and seek to compete fairly in a controlled market.