Amendments will close the loophole that allowed the marketing of certain flavoured cigars
OTTAWA, June 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, announced the adoption of new measures to further restrict flavours in cigars that appeal to youth.
The changes follow the 2009 Cracking Down on Tobacco Marketing Aimed at Youth Act, which banned the use of certain additives, including flavours like chocolate and bubble gum, in cigarettes, little cigars and blunt wraps, thereby making them less attractive to youth.
Since that time, however, resized cigars in the same flavours as those that were prohibited by the 2009 legislation have emerged on the Canadian market. The regulations introduced today have targeted these products by closing the loophole that allowed manufacturers to simply change the weight of little cigars or remove their filter to continue producing them.
The amendments, published June 17, 2015, in Canada Gazette, Part II, will come into force on December 14, 2015.
Delivering on a commitment made by the Prime Minister, these regulations are an example of the Government of Canada's commitment to take action to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco use.
Quick Facts
Quotes
"Our Government is committed to helping ensure the health and safety of our youth and these changes will further protect them from the dangers of smoking. These actions build on the concrete steps our Government has already taken to reduce smoking rates in Canada to record lows."
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Associated Links
Canada Gazette Part II
Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Survey 2013
Order Amending the Schedule to the Tobacco Act
SOURCE Health Canada
For further information: Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, (613) 957-0200; Media Relations, Health Canada, (613) 957-2983; Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991, 1-866 225-0709
Health Canada
Government of Canada
Browse our custom packages or build your own to meet your unique communications needs.
Fill out a CNW membership form or contact us at 1 (877) 269-7890
Request more information about CNW products and services or call us at 1 (877) 269-7890
Share this article