“Our Government has followed through on its commitment to introduce new, stronger labelling requirements on key tobacco products,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “The new Tobacco Act regulations will put new, updated health warnings and information into the hands of millions of smokers.”
The new health warnings are part of new Tobacco Act regulations, now in force, that set out new labelling requirements for cigarettes and little cigars.
"The messages introduced today reflect recent research on the health hazards associated with tobacco use and the benefits of quitting," said Minister Blaney. "This is an important initiative for the health of Canadians."
The new health warnings feature, for the first time, compelling stories from people affected by tobacco use, such as the late anti-smoking activist Barb Tarbox. Two of the messages feature images of Ms. Tarbox, taken while she was dying of lung cancer. Pat Tarbox, her husband at the time, and Mackenzie Tarbox, their daughter, joined Minister Aglukkaq for the announcement.
“I applaud the courage and commitment of those who are sharing their experience with tobacco use through these messages,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “I’m especially proud to welcome the family of Ms. Tarbox. Her unforgettable image has become a symbol of the hazards of smoking.”
“The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada commends Minister Aglukkaq on this important initiative aimed at reducing death and disability caused by tobacco industry products, including heart disease and stroke, and other chronic diseases," says Bobbe Wood, President, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "We've learned that when it comes to tobacco control, we must be comprehensive — a key component of this approach includes strong, graphic and prominent warnings on tobacco packaging."
The regulations will be published soon in Canada Gazette, Part II. Also now in force are new regulations prohibiting the terms “light” and “mild”, and variations thereof, on cigarettes, little cigars and various other tobacco products and accessories.
