OttawaDentists across the country were elated by the federal governments decision to increase tobacco taxes, announced today by Health Minister Allan Rock and Finance Minister Paul Martin. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has made tobacco cessation a central them of its public and member education programs over the last year.

A hike in tobacco taxes, particularly if the proceeds of that tax are targeted at youth reduction programs, is one of the key reduction strategies that weve been asking for, said CDA president Dr. Burton Conrod, its an approach that has been proven to reduce the number of young smokers, since disposable income is limited in this age group.

The tax increases will result in a $4.50 per carton increase in Quebec, $4.00 in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, $3.50 in PEI, $3.20 in Ontario and $1.50 in the remaining provinces.

Minister Rock has proven time and again that he takes tobacco reduction seriously, said Dr. Conrod, who has recently been named to the Ministers Advisory Council on Tobacco.

This new tax builds upon the comprehensive approach introduced by government on April 5. Dentists see the devastation of tobacco use like severe periodontal disease and oral cancer in our daily practices. Were in favour of any measures that government can take to help Canadians quit the habit.

In March of this year, the Canadian Dental Association provided every dentist in Canada with information and tools to educate patients about the oral effects of tobacco use, and to help them in dialogues with their patients about quitting tobacco. Tobacco reduction is a key element of CDAs ongoing messages to dentists, government and the public.

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Contact: Beth Keeping
bkeeping@cda-adc.ca
613-523-1770
Canadian Dental Association
2-Nov-2001