Information
July 2003
Framework Convention On Tobacco Control (FCTC)
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a World Health Organization led
international public health treaty designed to control tobacco supply and consumption.
The objective of the Convention is to protect present and future generations from the health,
social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to
tobacco smoke, through an international framework of collective measures for tobacco control.
The Convention was adopted by the World Health Assembly on May 21, 2003 and was opened
for signature on June 16, 2003. States who sign and ratify the Convention will be expected
to implement comprehensive tobacco control strategies and programs, including carrying
out commitments and obligations in such areas as tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion,
health warnings on tobacco packaging, illicit trade, product regulation and prevention
and cessation programs. To date, over 40 countries and the European Community have signed
the FCTC. Signature is an expression of political support for the treaty until a country
ratifies and becomes bound by the treaty. The Convention will come into force when ratified
by 40 countries.
Highlights of the FCTC include:
- a requirement to place warnings covering at least 30% , and ideally 50% of the principle
display areas on tobacco packaging;
- a comprehensive ban or restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;
- prohibition of advertising and packaging that is false, misleading or deceptive;
- protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, public transport, indoor
public places and other public places as appropriate;
- a recognition that tax and price measures are an effective means of reducing consumption;
- provisions on education, awareness-raising, cessation, and treatment programs; and
- a series of measures to prevent and combat the illicit trade in tobacco products.
Canada's current tobacco control initiatives include the majority of the FCTC's obligations
as key components. In some cases, Canada exceeds these requirements. For example, Canada
already requires that health warnings occupy 50% of the principal display surfaces of a
number of tobacco products.
Canada is one of over 150 member countries of the WHO that contributed to the development
of the FCTC. The main activities occurred during six meetings of the Intergovernmental
Negotiating Body, between October 2000 and February 2003. The Canadian delegation, led
by Health Canada and Foreign Affairs also included representatives from the following departments:
Justice, the Solicitor General, Finance, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well
as a representative of the provinces and territories, and a Non-Governmental Organization
(NGO) representative. Canadian NGOs and industry representatives participated in consultations
with the federal government throughout the negotiating process.
Canada has contributed to the FCTC in a number of key areas, by:
- contributing to the major role that NGOs played in the development of the FCTC by leading
the development of a consensus that invited NGOs to participate as observers during negotiating
sessions;
- co-chairing negotiating groups throughout the negotiations and chairing one of the
two final negotiating groups at the last negotiating session; and
- providing support to the World Health Organization (WHO), regional multilateral organizations
and bilaterally to build capacity in tobacco control.
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