Progress we’ve made in fighting tobacco

July 5, 2010 marks historic success in fighting tobacco

Canada’s newest anti-tobacco law, Bill C-32, comes into effect at a store near you this summer – thanks to Canadians who joined our fight to make it happen.

Bill C-32 was introduced to parliament in May 2009 to ban flavoured cigarettes, cigarillos and blunt wraps (similar to rolling papers but made of tobacco) and prohibit tobacco advertising in print media in Canada.

Canadians across the country quickly rallied to show their support for this important health measure by writing letters, e-mails and calling Senators and MPs. Bill C-32 was passed into Canadian law on October 8, 2009.

“This is the best legislation in the world restricting flavours in cigarettes and little cigars,” says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society. “This is a world-precedent setting law that will reduce tobacco use in Canada.”

Now, on July 5, 2010 Bill C-32 will be implemented at the retail level across Canada, meaning Canadian convenience stores and other retailers will no longer be able to sell flavoured cigarillos and some other tobacco products.

Some provincial governments are also following suit. In Ontario, similar provincial legislation to ban flavoured cigarillos will come into force on July 1, 2010. Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have also adopted similar provincial legislation, but it is not in effect yet.

“There is simply no justification for why tobacco products should be flavoured with candy, ice cream and fruit flavours,” says Cunningham. “The risk is that these flavoured products can be a starter product for kids who would never otherwise start smoking.”

In fact, according to the most recent Youth Smoking Survey, there is a shockingly high rate of youth experimentation with cigarillos, almost all of which are flavoured. The survey for the 2008–09 school year found that 40% of students in grades 10–12 had ever smoked cigarillos, and that 18% had done so in the past month.

During the 2008 federal election campaign, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised to introduce a law to ban flavours in tobacco products, which appealed to young people. Bill C-32 was ultimately introduced by Health Minister Leona Aqlukkaq.

“This was an example of Parliament at its best,” says Dan Demers, Director, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society. “The legislation was supported by all political parties, recognizing that this was a time to put aside partisan issues so that the health of Canadians, especially children and youth, would be protected.”

“The bottom line is that this bill is going to protect our kids from starting smoking and encourage more adults to quit,” adds Cunningham. “And by getting involved, Canadians have shown that together we can fight against cancer and fight for life.”

Last modified on: 29 June 2010