Government unveils new tobacco restrictions aimed at protecting kids

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq has introduced a spate of restrictions on tobacco products that she says are intended to protect children, including a ban on flavoured cigarettes and cigarillos.

The legislation outlaws the addition of fruit flavours and other additives that sweeten cigarettes, cigarillos and blunt wraps (tobacco tubes).

The new measures, unveiled at a news conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, would also bar tobacco advertising on all print and media outlets that may be viewed by youth.

Under existing law, tobacco advertising was permitted in publications that can demonstrate adult readership of more than 85 per cent.

That rule is effectively quashed under Tuesday's changes.

"Our government is taking concrete steps to protect young people from marketing practices that entice them to smoke tobacco," said Aglukkaq.

The changes also prohibit the sale of small quantities of blunt wraps, cigars and cigarillos in what are commonly known as "kiddy packs." These items will now have to be sold in packs of at least 20.

"Strong measures such as these not only will protect Canada's children from the harmful effects of smoking, but will also serve to curtail industry tactics aimed at marketing their products to the youth of this country," said Paul Thomey, chair of tobacco policy for the Canadian Lung Association, in a statement.