Ontario's Doctors: Ban Flavoured Tobacco Now

News provided by

Ontario Medical Association

Feb 24, 2014, 13:39 ET

TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Now that the Legislature has resumed sitting, Ontario's doctors urge MPPs from all parties to pass vital legislation in the fight against youth smoking.

Bill 131 would ban sales of kid-friendly flavoured tobacco in Ontario.

"Candy-flavoured tobacco is hooking kids at a young age - 57,000 Ontario adolescents used it in 2010/2011," said Dr. Scott Wooder, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "It's already illegal to market tobacco to kids. Now we should stop letting cigarette manufacturers mask the deadly taste of tobacco with flavours like grape, sour apple and watermelon that obviously appeal to children. How can anyone argue against speedy passage of this bill?"

Bill 131 would also prohibit smoking in restaurant and bar patios, hospital grounds and sports fields used by children, along with the sale of all types of tobacco on government and university properties.

Ontario's doctors stand with the provincial branches of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society, which are meeting today with elected officials from all parties to underscore the urgency of this legislation.

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862
[email protected] @OntariosDoctors

Organization Profile

Ontario Medical Association

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) represents more than 42,000 physicians and medical students across the province. Ontario's doctors work closely with patients to encourage healthy living practices and illness prevention. In addition to delivering front-line services to...