Canadian Cancer Society Welcomes Action on Roll-Your-Own Tobacco Tax Loophole, Announced in Today's Federal Budget

TORONTO, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society applauds the federal government for introducing a tax increase on roll-your-own tobacco in today's federal budget. The increase addresses a longstanding loophole.

"We welcome this increase because higher tobacco taxes are the most effective way to reduce tobacco use among Canadians, especially for young people who will be less likely to buy higher priced tobacco products," says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society. "This budget measure will mean that fewer Canadians will smoke, which will mean fewer Canadians will die from tobacco-related cancers."

Effective March 22, the rate of excise duty on roll-your-own tobacco and other types of manufactured tobacco will increase to $5.31 per 50 grams from $2.89 per 50 grams.  This will address a loophole where the tax rate for these types of tobacco products has been much less than for cigarettes.

Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Canada causing 37,000 Canadian deaths each year. Smoking causes about 30% of cancer deaths in Canada and about 85% of lung cancer cases.

For 75 years the Canadian Cancer Society has been with Canadians in the fight for life. We have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund research and support Canadians touched by cancer. From this foundation, we will work with Canadians to change cancer forever so fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333;TTY,1-866-786-3934.

SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

Rob Cunningham
Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society
613-565-2522, ext. 4981