Why we need action

Thanks to the encouragement of citizens across Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society is pleased that Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act, received Third Reading in the House of Commons with all-party support on June 17th 2009. However, in order to be implemented, the bill requires adoption by the Senate. Senators are expected to vote on the bill this fall and need to hear from supporters.

What is a cigarillo?

A cigarillo is a little cigar, sometimes the size of a cigarette. Cigarillos fall into the category of cigars because they are wrapped in material made from tobacco, but they are often designed to look more like cigarettes. Since cigarillos are considered cigars, cigarillos are not regulated in the same way as cigarettes in terms of minimum quantities per package and required health warnings.

What are the key issues?

• Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in Canada and is responsible for about 30% of cancer deaths.
• Currently, tobacco ads appear in publications such as daily newspapers, free weekly entertainment newspapers, and some magazines easily accessed by youth.
• Reducing exposure to tobacco advertising will reduce the use of tobacco products.
• Health Canada data shows that sales of cigarillos have grown dramatically from 53 million in 2001 to 403 million in 2007.
• There is a risk that cigarillos, which can be just as addictive as cigarettes, could be a starter product for kids who would otherwise never start smoking.
• Cigarillos are sold in a variety of ice cream, candy and fruit flavours.
• Some cigarettes in Canada have been flavoured. Bill C-32 is important to prevent flavoured cigarettes from becoming an even greater problem in Canada.
• There is no minimum pack size for cigars. Cigars and cigarillos can be sold individually or in small “kiddy packs” that are much more affordable.
• Cigarillos are smoked primarily by young Canadians (in a 2008 survey, 9% of 15-19 year olds had smoked a cigarillo in the past 30 days compared with 3% of Canadians over 25).