News Release

1999-139
November 23, 1999

Health Minister appoints Dr. Jeffrey Wigand as Special Advisor

OTTAWA - Health Minister Allan Rock today announced that Dr. Jeffrey Wigand has agreed to serve as Special Advisor to Health Canada. In this capacity, Dr. Wigand will work with the Department on tobacco control strategies and provide expert advice on nicotine and addiction-related issues.

"I am delighted that Dr. Wigand will provide advice to us as we continue our efforts to reduce smoking," Mr. Rock said. "His extensive knowledge of the tobacco industry's research, manufacturing and promotional strategies will be a great asset to us."

One of Dr. Wigand's first tasks will be to work with Health Canada on its continuing analysis of the tobacco industry documents released yesterday, which were obtained at the Guildford Depository in England. "We have looked at less than one per cent of these documents," Mr. Rock noted. "Dr. Wigand has agreed to help us decode the terminology used in many of these reports. This will give us a better understanding of how tobacco companies have shared information on cigarette design and modification, on encouraging smokers not to quit, and a range of other issues."

Dr. Wigand, now an internationally recognized public health advocate, was formerly vice-president and head of research for the U.S. tobacco company Brown & Williamson, which is owned by British American Tobacco (BAT) Ltd. BAT is the controlling shareholder of Imperial Tobacco Ltd., Canada's largest manufacturer of cigarettes. In public statements, Dr. Wigand has confirmed that BAT companies regularly shared strategies and reports on nicotine technology, cigarette design and development, and smoking and health issues.

Minister Rock noted that Dr. Wigand will also play a key role in advising the Government as it develops new youth-oriented prevention and cessation programs. "We are going to rigorously look at all the options and develop strategies that will support young Canadians in making healthy choices," he said. The Health Minister indicated that he has already initiated discussions on the need for adequately funded, sustained tobacco control programs, including hard-hitting mass media campaigns and cessation programs. "With the evidence we have at hand of how the tobacco industry works, we can now focus and target our strategies in a manner that was not possible previously," he said. "I want to look at all options, including the role that cigarette prices play as a deterrent to youth smoking. Preventing kids from starting to smoke will be our number one priority."

Dr. Wigand's appointment will provide expert advice to Health Canada on an as required basis. The terms and details, including payment, are currently being finalized.

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