Health Minister Terry Lake is calling once again for the federal government to build upon existing legislation banning flavoured tobacco.

"In November 2013 and again in February 2014, I wrote to the federal government to encourage an enhanced ban on flavoured tobacco products," said Lake. "We cannot let these sweet flavours soften the harshness of tobacco. Flavoured tobacco can become a gateway for a young person to become dependent on or addicted to nicotine."

The federal government has existing legislation that bans the use of youth-oriented flavourings in cigarettes and small cigars under 1.4 grams. However, tobacco manufacturers are now creating flavoured cigars just above that weight, making them attractive to youth.

That's why the Province is urging the federal government to enhance the ban on flavoured tobacco to include all tobacco products.

Asking provincial governments to bring in legislation on this matter will risk a patchwork of standards across the country, because it requires each province to duplicate enforcement and testing resources. It's important that a consistent level of protection is developed for youth across Canada - regardless of where they live.

Health Canada has developed the expertise needed to administer this type of technical regulation. British Columbia values and makes use of the tobacco initiatives promoted by Heath Canada, but is prepared to proceed should the federal government decide not to move forward.

"As this is a level of protection that all Canadian youth need, I've also sent my letter to my fellow provincial and territorial counterparts for their support," said Lake. "I believe if we had broad support for federal expansion of their flavoured tobacco legislation, we will see a consistent level of protection for youth across our country."

At 14.5%, British Columbia enjoys the lowest smoking rates in Canada, which is a reflection of the importance British Columbians place on a healthy lifestyle supported by strong tobacco control policy and smoking cessation programs. To continue to have the lowest smoking rate and decrease tobacco use for future generations, the Province must ensure that all youth Canada-wide are protected from the risks of flavoured tobacco.

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contact:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (Media line)

BACKGROUNDER

Smoking Cessation Program helps a quarter of B.C. smokers

• More than 25% of B.C.'s smokers have used the Ministry of Health's Smoking Cessation Program in an effort to improve their health by quitting smoking.
• The Smoking Cessation Program helps B.C. residents stop smoking and stop using other tobacco products. Since its launch in in September 2011, the program has paid for cessation aids for more than 155,000 people, at a cost of about $27 million.
• Smokers who call Healthlink BC at 8-1-1 can be covered by B.C. PharmaCare for nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum or patches, or medication that helps smokers quit, either Champix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion) for 12 weeks.
• The B.C. PharmaCare program is one of the most comprehensive public drug programs in the country; coverage is available to every British Columbian. PharmaCare bases its drug coverage decisions on rigorous and ongoing reviews of clinical evidence, to ensure it is covering the most beneficial drugs for patients.
• Quitting smoking greatly reduces serious health risks such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma for British Columbians and their families.
• Each year, more than 6,000 British Columbians die from the effects of tobacco use. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in British Columbia.
• B.C. has the lowest smoking rate in Canada, at approximately 14.5%.
• The Ministry of Health's Tobacco Control Strategy aims to reduce the death, disease and disability caused by tobacco by discouraging young people from starting to smoke; helping smokers to quit; and protecting people from exposure to second-hand smoke.
• B.C.'s five regional health authorities enforce the Tobacco Control Act, which prohibits the sale of tobacco to anyone under the age of 19, restricts retail tobacco displays and promotions and bans tobacco use at all schools. The ministry gives $1 million a year to the health authorities to support tobacco control efforts.
• For more information on the Smoking Cessation Program, smokers can call Healthlink BC at 8-1-1 or visit: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfeatures/smoking-cessation.html

Media Contact:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (Media line)