Canada to require tough new health warnings on cigarettes

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

Rock to require tough new health warnings on cigarettes

by Ottawa Sun (1603) CANADA;  Date: Sunday, 1/17/99
               =================== OTTAWA (CP) -- Smoking is hazardous to
your erection. Smoking can seriously shrink your manhood. Smoking can
cause impotence. 

The wording has not been revealed, but some reference to male sexual
performance will likely be included in a new batch of cigarette package
messages to be announced today by Health Minister Allan Rock, sources
said. 

 Research has shown smoking can cause erectile dysfunction and experts
believe this fact might have more impact on male smokers than familiar
warnings of cancer and death. 

Rock is to reveal the proposed new health warnings today at a luncheon
sponsored by Physicians for a Smoke-Free Society to mark National
No-Smoking Week. 

He will also announce tough new restrictions on in-store display and
advertising of tobacco products. 

"It's the start of an aggressive campaign against tobacco use and it
represents a turning point." said Rock spokesman Derek Kent. 

Rock has shaken up the Health Department, naming new people to key posts
in the tobacco policy area, said Cynthia Callard of Physicians for a
Smoke-Free Canada. 

"I'm quite excited actually. There's a different tone of discussion, an
openness to different ideas, an intensity of work that's visible to us on
the outside." 

David Sweanor of the Non-Smokers' Rights Association is also optimistic. 

"I think the mere fact that he (Rock) has agreed to appear at that
luncheon, and the timing in terms of National Non-Smoking Week, would be
an indication that he is planning on making some serious announcements. 

"It's odd to be sitting in Ottawa and thinking that good things could be
happening in this country on tobacco control." 

Sweanor said tobacco control is popular with the public. 

"I think it's also a political winner for him if he can play it right. I
think he's been in a reactive mode on tobacco issues. This is an area
where a health minister should be able to shine. 

"A large majority of Canadians don't smoke and of those that do smoke,
about two thirds say they wish they didn't and would like to quit
entirely. Of those few who are left most certainly don't want their kids
to smoke. " 

However, Sweanor expects Rock will make statements of intent rather than
announce policy actions and the real test will be in what is actually
delivered. 

Rob Parker, president of the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' Council, said
Rock's offensive is motivated by politics rather health policy. 

"This is Rock proving to the anti's (anti-smoking groups) that, oh yes, he
can be roughy-tough-tough on the tobacco companies. The only thing that
surprises me is that anyone would believe it's about smoking. 

"Anti-tobacco groups are paid money to attack us and they get new grants
because of the headlines they generate. Nobody stops smoking. Smoking
rates are the same now as they were 12 or 14 years ago."