Doctors push government to crack down on tobacco products aimed at children

Doctors gathered in Ottawa on Wednesday to push the Harper government to crack down on the marketing of flavoured tobacco products.

"During the last federal election, Prime Minister [Stephen] Harper promised to get tough with tobacco companies using loopholes, candy flavours and fancy packaging to lure children into nicotine addiction," said Dr. Atul Kapur, President of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada.

The Canadian Medical Association and Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada held a press conference on Parliament Hill on Wednesday.

The groups want stricter regulations on the marketing of tobacco products, such as cigarillos and cigars.

"Urgent action is required to counter tobacco marketing tactics aimed at children," said Dr. Robert Ouellet, president of the Canadian Medical Association.

According to Health Canada data, about 15 per cent of those between the age of 15 and 19 smoked a cigarillo in 2006 compared to three per cent of Canadians over the age of 25.

According to survey firm AC Neilsen, cigarillos are the fastest growing category of tobacco sales.

Current laws applying to cigarettes – such as package size, health warning labels and advertising – do not apply to cigars or cigarillos.

During the 2008 election campaign, the Conservatives said they would set package sizes for cigarillos and make them less affordable for children. The party also indicated it would prohibit certain flavours, such as bubble gum and cotton candy, that may appeal to youth.