Rainbow Distribution Sues Quebec Government Over Disruption of Indigenous Trade, Breach of Treaty Rights
-
Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
September 2025 / Kahnawà:ke –
Robbie Dickson, Indigenous business owner of Rainbow Distribution Company, has filed a lawsuit against Revenue Quebec, challenging the ongoing disruption of the Indigenous tobacco trade between Kahnawà:ke and other First Nations across Quebec and Ontario. The lawsuit asks the Court to render elements of Quebec’s Tobacco Tax Act ineligible given the clear breach of Mr. Dickson’s constitutionally protected rights.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of two major court rulings recognizing the Indigenous right to trade tobacco, as protected under Indigenous law, Canadian colonial law, and international law. Despite these rulings, and clear statements from the Quebec Superior Court about the need to respect the constitutionally protected rights of the Mohawk peoples, Quebec has persisted in a campaign of targeted disruption of trade amongst First Nations.
Quebec’s actions have had a serious negative impact on Rainbow’s business operations, affecting the livelihood of community members across Kahnawà:ke. Even after a Court order requiring the release of Rainbow products seized earlier this year, Quebec has persisted in its campaign of disruption, which is now the subject of this legal challenge. In addition to an order rendering parts of the legislation invalid, Mr. Dickson is also seeking an interim suspension of enforcement measures given previous Court findings in the Montour (2023) and Kane (2024) decisions, as well as damages for the loss of business.
Falconers LLP is honoured to be serving as co-counsel alongside Savonitto & Associates Inc. in this matter.
For more information, see:
- Lawsuit filed in Quebec Superior Court (Sep. 2025)
- R v Montour, 2023 QCCS 4154
- R v Logan Kane, 2024 Court File 505-01-183000-237 (Dec. 2024)
Media Coverage:
- The Elias Makos Show (Radio Interview) (Oct. 1, 2025) – “Kahnawake businessman claims Quebec’s tax laws violate First Nations constitutional rights”
- Savanna Craig, APTN News (Video Report) (Sept. 29, 2025) – “Mohawk entrepreneur sues Quebec over tobacco seizure”
- Jesse Staniforth, APTN News (Sept. 23, 2025) – “Mohawk Tobacco Distributor Sues to Challenge Quebec’s Tax Law”
- Camille Payant, Journal de Montreal (French) (Sept. 22, 2025) – “Cigarettes and trucks seized: Kahnawake entrepreneur sues Quebec for $8 million”
