Quebec's good intent with Tobacco Act amendments fell short with prohibition of menthol

MONTREAL, May 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Imperial Tobacco Canada, the country's leading legal tobacco company, supports the intention behind the amendments to the Quebec Tobacco Act, but believes certain measures will not achieve the government's public health objectives and, in some cases, will be counterproductive.

"We applaud the Government of Quebec for making sure there is ample time for consultation on the amendments, and we look forward to being part of the process" said Caroline Ferland, Vice-President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs for Imperial Tobacco Canada.  "We are hopeful that the government will be receptive during the consultation process and recognize the difference between fact-based evidence and emotional cries for change"

In its proposed amendments to the Quebec Tobacco Act, the government intends to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes. Such a ban will serve only to fuel the illegal tobacco trade while not contributing to reaching any of the government's health objectives.

"Although we agree with many of the proposed measures, such as a ban of fruity, candy and confectionary flavoured tobacco products, there is no fact-based evidence to support a ban of menthol products.  Prohibiting menthol will drive adult consumers to the illegal tobacco market where over 35 menthol brands are already available," continued Ferland. "The government's intention to regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products completely neglects their unique nature, which do not contain tobacco."

"We recognize the potential health risks associated with smoking and support reasonable, evidence and fact-based regulation of tobacco products, especially those intended to keep tobacco out of the hands of youth" concluded Ms. Ferland.  "We fully support Minister Charlebois' stated intention of the bill: to protect youth, and we look forward to being part of the discussion process."

SOURCE Imperial Tobacco Canada

Media Contacts: Sebastien Dolan, Imperial Tobacco Canada, 514-932-6161 ext.2222; Marie-Emmanuelle Khoury / Lauriane Ayivi, 514 288-8290 ext. 214 / 233, [email protected] / [email protected]; Imperial Tobacco Canada: http://www.imperialtobaccocanada.com/