News Release
1995-85
December 11, 1995
Health Minister releases comprehensive blueprint for tobacco control
OTTAWA - Health Minister Diane Marleau today proposed a new legislative framework that will strengthen and expand the federal government's strategy to reduce the demand for tobacco products.
Tobacco Control: A Blueprint to Protect the Health of Canadians outlines the legislative direction the government proposes to take in response to the September 21, 1995 Supreme Court ruling that struck down key sections of the Tobacco Products Control Act (TPCA). That decision left the advertising and promotion of tobacco products substantially unregulated in Canada.
The Blueprint reflects the federal government's conviction that comprehensive prohibitions and restrictions are the most effective means of achieving the government's public health objectives. It also sets out a broad range of legislative measures on advertising, promotion, sponsorship, access by minors and point of sale activities, as well as packaging and labelling standards, product regulation and reporting requirements.
Currently, tobacco control policies cannot be altered without legislative change. The Blueprint makes a strong case for a flexible legislative/regulatory framework to enable the government to respond to changing market conditions and industry practices as they occur and to evolving knowledge on tobacco use.
In releasing the Blueprint, the Minister stressed that tobacco kills over 40,000 Canadians each year, noting that about half of today's smokers, including the children and youth who are just beginning to smoke, will die prematurely of a tobacco-related illness.
"Tobacco products are like no other," Madame Marleau said. "They are addictive, hazardous and lethal. We must protect young Canadians from inducements to use them. The legislative and regulatory framework proposed in the Blueprint will do just that."
The Minister noted the need to respond immediately to one particular element of the Supreme Court's ruling, concerning the health messages and toxic constituent information on tobacco packages. She will introduce amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act this week to provide for the attribution of those messages, as required by the Court.
The Blueprint will guide a series of consultations early in the new year with provincial and territorial governments, the health community, tobacco manufacturers and other collateral industries, as well as interested Canadians. On the basis of those consultations, the government expects to introduce legislation in the spring of 1996.
The Blueprint builds upon the government's Tobacco Demand Reduction Strategy (TDRS), introduced in February 1994. The TDRS combines three targeted activities -- legislation, research and public education -- to reduce tobacco use by Canadians.
Interested groups and the public are invited to comment on the proposed legislative framework. Written submissions should be provided no later than January 31, 1996 to:
Office of Tobacco Control
Health Canada
11 Holland Avenue, Tower A
Suite 513
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9.
Copies of the Blueprint can be obtained by calling 1-800-300-8449. - 30 - Information:Sylvie Patry Health Canada (613) 957-2988 Gayle Morris Special Assistant Communications Minister's Office (613) 957-0200
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