Cigarette: A CNN report says that the Canadian Government will start putting health messages on single cigarette sticks. This measure, the government claims, will reduce cigarette smoking significantly.
According to a news release, the new Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations will aim at stopping existing smokers to quit smoking and protecting youth and non-tobacco users from nicotine addiction.The new laws also aim to reduce the appeal of tobacco.
Visible messaging
A senior health official told the media that these laws would make it “virtually impossible” for people to escape health warnings.
Rob Cunningham, a senior policy analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society says these new rules will be a “world precedent” and will reduce cigarette smoking in Canada to less than 5% of the population.
While the new regulations take effect from August 1, 2023, these would be implemented in stages. Further, they would be supplemented by other anti-smoking measures such as putting more messages on cigarette packs.
Cigarette smoking in Canada
The country’s Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos says cancer is a leading cause of preventable deaths in Canada. “Our government is using every evidence-based tool at our disposal to protect the health of Canadians, particularly the young people, “said the minister according to CNN.
According to Canada.ca, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Canada. Each year, 48,000 people die of tobacco use in the country and since 2000, cigarettes have killed more than 1 million in Canada.
This translates to 125 people dying of smoking-related illnesses in Canada and more than the total number of people dying due to drinking, accidents, opioids and accidents.
The same website says smoking caused 21,366 cancer deaths and 12,000 heart attack deaths in 2012. Second hand smoke caused 993 deaths in 2012.
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