Bill to ban flavoured tobacco a "sweet" step to butting out
TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society applauds NDP health critic France Gélinas for the introduction of proposed legislation that will ban all flavoured tobacco products in Ontario.
"Ms. Gélinas has just sweetened the Big Tobacco Lies campaign by acting quickly in response to today's youth day of action at Queen's Park and the ongoing numerous letters, calls, meetings and postcards sent to MPPs asking for a ban on flavoured tobacco products, including menthol," says Joanne Di Nardo, Senior Manager, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "However, the next steps can be even sweeter — MPPs move quickly to pass legislation that bans flavoured tobacco and protects Ontario youth."
Studies show that nearly all smokers start using tobacco before the age of 18. Data released earlier this year from the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo confirmed that 57,000 Ontario youth are using flavoured tobacco. It also found that one in four Ontario youth who smoke say they are smoking menthol cigarettes. The proposed regulations will help prevent youth smoking and protect Ontarians from exposure to second-hand smoke and ultimately cancer.
"Immediate government action is needed once and for all to keep the tobacco industry out of the lives of our youth. We will continue to raise awareness and rally support until a ban on flavoured tobacco products, including menthol, is a reality," says Shadi Mousavi Nia, a Canadian Cancer Society youth advocate. "We encourage all Ontarians to help us #endtheflavour at www.takeaction.cancer.ca."
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization dedicated to preventing cancer, saving lives and supporting people living with cancer through research funding, services and advocacy. We are Canada's largest charity fighting all types of cancer and leading authority on cancer statistics and information. To learn more, call 1 888 939-3333 or visit cancer.ca.
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SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)
Media Contacts: Christine Koserski, Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, 416-323-7030, [email protected]; Daniel Paquette, dpPR, Office: 416-413-7714, Onsite cell: 416-559-2694, [email protected]
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