Canadian Cancer Society applauds Ontario government's tobacco tax increase and welcomes continued health measures

TORONTO, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased with the Ontario government's decision to introduce a tobacco tax increase of $3.25 per carton and its continued focus on health promotion initiatives that benefit Ontarians of all ages.

The province has not increased tobacco taxes since 2006.

"Today's budget reaffirms the Ontario government's commitment to cancer prevention and steps like increasing tobacco taxes will have a tremendous impact on saving lives," says Kelly Gorman, Senior Manager, Public Issues, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division.

"We know that higher tobacco taxes are the single most effective strategy to reduce smoking, especially among youth."

About half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians.

The Society also welcomes government's measure to invest $32 million in Student Nutrition Programs. Introducing healthy eating habits at an early age is a key component in preventing cancer.

While much progress has been made, the Society will continue to advocate for measures that will:

• Protect Ontario's youth by urging the passing of Bill 131, Youth Smoking Prevention Act.
• Improve access to cancer medication including oral drugs taken by patients at home.
• Protect Ontarians from environmental and occupational exposures to carcinogens.

Advocating for healthy public policies is just one of the many ways the Society is making a difference and fighting back against a disease that touches far too many lives.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division)

Media contact: Susan Fekete, Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division: 613-723-1744 x 3616; [email protected]