Beginning this week, every cigarette in Canada must include a health warning aimed at deterring people — especially young people — from lighting up a smoke.
It marks a global first: no other country has passed a law mandating warning labels on individual cigarettes.
"Poison in every puff."
"Tobacco smoke harms children."
"Cigarettes cause impotence."
Will the new labels actually work?
“They are going to,” said Rob Cunningham, a lawyer and senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society, during a recent appearance on Village Media’s Inside the Village podcast. “We are very positive in terms of this announcement. It’s received worldwide media attention and I think it really captures the imagination.”
Twelve per cent of Canadians still smoke — that’s 3.8 million people — and cigarettes remain the leading cause of annual preventable deaths.
"Imagine if one out of two people who took an airplane are going to die," Cunningham said. "We wouldn't put up with it for very long."
You can watch the full episode HERE.
Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.
Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.
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