Cancer society calls on P.E.I. to take the lead on smoking

P.E.I. could be doing more to reduce smoking rates, says a senior analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society during a visit to the Island.

'Retailers are part of the problem, because retailers are supplying to kids.' — Rob Cunningham

Rob Cunningham told a gathering of the P.E.I. Tobacco Reduction Alliance and some Health Department officials Wednesday the Island used to be a leader when it came to anti-smoking legislation, but it has fallen behind.

"P.E.I.'s done well to have some restrictions on signs at retail, and that's very good. But we should get rid of all signs," said Cunningham.

Cunningham also recommded getting rid of designated smoking rooms, banning smoking on patios and making it illegal to smoke in a car with a child. Cunningham also said stores that sell tobacco should have to pay a licence fee.

"Retailers are in a serious business. They're selling an addictive, lethal drug, and they can do so for nothing," he said.

"The City of Ottawa has a permit requirement of $300 a year and that revenue can be used to offset government costs. Right now it costs government money to enforce the laws with respect to the sale of tobacco to minors. Retailers are part of the problem, because retailers are supplying to kids."

Cunningham also recommended P.E.I. could follow the lead of some other provinces and eliminate the sales tax on smoking cessation products.

Dawn Binns, executive director of the P.E.I. division of the Cancer Society, hopes the Island can once again be a leader.

"We've been in discussions with government officials and staff within the department, briefing the new government on these things and getting them up to speed," said Binns.

"I think we will see movement in the next few months."

The smoking rate is 19 per cent, the same as the national average.