Funding cut to federal anti-smoking program
Posted April 17, 2012 6:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A program that aims to keep Canada smoke-free is about to shrink now that nearly one-third of its funding has gone up in smoke. The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy was launched in 1999.
A $15-million funding cut was announced in the federal government’s recent budget.
According to Rob Cunningham of the Canadian Cancer Society, smoking has fallen from 24 per cent to 17 per cent, as a direct result of the strategy. Smoking rates among youth aged 15 to 19 has also declined, from 25 per cent to 12 per cent.
The program funded the enforcement of tobacco laws and educational programs. Cunnigham says this cut will slow further progress. He’s also concerned that new flashy products might lead to a reverse in the number of non-smokers.
“There are emerging threats such as these flavoured little cigars,” he warns. “Now, water-pipe smoking or hookah is taking off. We need to be vigilant.”
Cunnigham says the strategy has led to a decline in tobacco smuggling, which has directly resulted in a $480 million increase in tobacco-tax revenue. He insists Canadians can afford to keep funding the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy at its current level.
Tobacco kills 37,000 Canadians annually, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
