Canada's Negotiations on The Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
Background
In May 1999, the 191 member states of the World Health Assembly (WHA),
the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO), unanimously
backed a resolution calling for the development of a Framework Convention
on tobacco Control (FCTC).
The FCTC is being drafted as an international instrument (a 'treaty'
or 'Convention') that will be legally binding on the states that choose
to become parties to the Convention. The states that do so will become
'states parties' and will be responsible for implementing the obligations
contained in the Convention. This will be the first convention developed
and adopted by the WHO and its members.
The main objective of the FCTC is to reduce the health consequences of
tobacco use through collective international action and co-operation on
tobacco control. The FCTC is intended to be a tool with which to promote
public health. WHA members began formal negotiations of the FCTC in October
2000. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) of the FCTC has met
twice - in October 2000 and May 2001. The INB is scheduled to meet again
in November 2001. The aim is to complete negotiations and open the FCTC
for signature and ratification by 2003.
Health Canada is leading the negotiations on the FCTC for the Government
of Canada and is working in collaboration with the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade and other relevant federal departments
to develop Canada's negotiating positions.
After the first INB, the Chair of the FCTC, Ambassador Amorim of Brazil,
developed a draft text on which to base discussion. At the INB sessions,
this negotiating text is divided amongst three Working Groups. Working
Group I addresses health protection and promotion related issues including:
sales; packaging and labelling; demand reduction; education, training
and public awareness; passive smoking (second-hand smoke); regulation
of tobacco products; disclosures by tobacco manufacturers concerning their
products; and advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Working Group II
addresses surveillance, licensing of retailers of tobacco products, smuggling,
taxation, exchange of information, illicit trade, and agricultural and
manufacturing subsidies sections of the text. Working Group III discusses
institutional issues: Conference of the Parties; the secretariat; reporting
and implementation; settlement of disputes; compensation and liability;
financial resources; and scientific, technical and legal cooperation.
In addition, the introductory sections of the text (preamble, definitions,
objective, guiding principles, and general obligations) are divided among
the Working Groups. Canada is Co-Chair of Working Group II.
The Government of Canada believes that enhanced international efforts
to control tobacco are in the interest of citizens in all countries. Tobacco
use causes health problems of epidemic proportions around the world. The
WHO estimates that about four million deaths are currently attributed
to tobacco related diseases per year; this figure is expected to rise
to 10 million by 2030 if current trends continue and 70 percent of these
will be in the developing world. In Canada, tobacco use remains the leading
cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death, contributing
to the death of more than 45,000 Canadians annually.
The Consultation Process
The Government of Canada is committed to listening to the points of view
of all stakeholders as we develop a negotiating stance for this Convention.
Stakeholder Written Comments on The Chair's
Text of A Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 
In February 2001, stakeholder organizations were invited to submit comments
on all aspects of the proposed FCTC negotiating text. Twenty-one organizations
responded. A report was compiled which summarized the responses we received.
To view the report, please click on the link above.
Government of Canada Stakeholder Consultations
On October 3-4, 2001, stakeholder consultations were held in Ottawa. To
view the report, please click on the link above.
An Invitation For Further Comments
Comments on the FCTC will continue to be accepted. Please send your comments
to the
International Affairs Directorate.
Press Releases
2002
March 18 - The Government of Canada demonstrates commitment to international
action to reduce
global tobacco consumption.
2001
April 30 - Canada to play key role in second round of talks on international
tobacco control convention.
FCTC Links
For more information about the FCTC, please visit the following sites:
Other Links
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