Canada is set to implement a groundbreaking initiative to combat smoking by introducing warning labels on individual cigarettes.
With the goal of aiding smokers in quitting, the decision was initially announced by Health Canada last year. The initiative, set to take effect on August 1, was introduced by Health Canada as part of their strategy to bring down tobacco consumption to below 5% by 2035.
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett expressed her enthusiasm for the move, stating that it would make health warning messages virtually impossible to ignore.
The warning labels, which will be displayed in both English and French, feature impactful messages such as “poison in every puff,” “tobacco smoke harms children,” and “cigarettes cause impotence.” These labels aim to convey the dangers associated with smoking and discourage individuals from taking up the habit. In addition to warning labels on individual cigarettes, the new regulations also strengthen the use of health-related graphic images on tobacco packaging.
The significance of this initiative was emphasized by Doug Roth, CEO of the Heart & Stroke charity, who believes that the bold measure will ensure that the risks to lung health cannot be overlooked. The Canadian Cancer Society also supports the move, noting that it will contribute to reducing smoking rates and the overall appeal of cigarettes, ultimately preventing diseases like cancer.
Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society, hailed Canada’s tobacco health warning system as the best in the world, emphasizing that health messaging will be incorporated into every puff and during every smoke break. This comprehensive approach aims to create widespread awareness of the health risks associated with smoking.
It’s worth noting that Canada has been at the forefront of tobacco control measures. The country banned tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, and introduced warnings on cigarette packs as early as 1972. In 2001, Canada became the first country to mandate the inclusion of picture warnings on cigarette packages along with health message inserts.
