Cigarettes in Canada get a new look to help deter smoking
Taking the warning from just the box, cigarettes in Canada now advertise a pointed message.
“It’s going to reach smokers, but also for youth who may experiment by obtaining a cigarette from a friend, they may not see that health warning on the package, but they’re going to see the health warning right on the cigarette,” said Canadian Cancer Society senior policy analyst, Rob Cunningham.
Written in both English and French, smokers will now find one of six warnings stamped on each filter including:
- tobacco smoke harms children
- cigarettes cause cancer
- cigarettes cause impotence
- cigarettes cause leukemia
- poison in every puff
- cigarettes damage your organs
“It’s going to make the cigarette less attractive, less cool for kids with their peer group and also many kids discourage their parents from smoking, urge them to quit and so these cigarette butts, in an ash tray, with the warnings will provide more information for kids when they have those discussions with their parents,” said Cunningham.
The new warning labels come into effect in stages across Canada.
Tobacco manufactures had until April 30 to ensure every king-size cigarette produced has the new health warning and by January 31, 2025, all regular-size cigarettes produced need them.
As for retailers, they have a bit more time. King-size cigarettes without the new labels can still be sold until July 31 and regular-size cigarettes without the new labels can be sold until April 30, 2025.
However, those familiar with tobacco aren’t convinced these new regulations are going to make a difference for everyone.
“For kids, it probably would be a good deterrent,” said Nathalie Lemire.
“For me, I’ve been a smoker since I was 12, sadly. I’ve made several attempts to quit smoking for my health and I’m still smoking at 48, so those messages for me have not clued in and probably never will.”
She says, while the new images and messages won’t work for her, she did notice them.
“I was in the hospital for a long time, going back into the stores and asking for a pack of cigarettes and seeing one of them was like a preemie baby and I just kind of looked twice like, ‘Oh my god.’ They’re more disturbing than they used to be because we got used to the pictures of the lungs or the emphysema or the guy with a hole in his throat, I remember that from years ago,” she said.
“They’re disturbing. They may work for some people, for me it won't. For kids, I think deterring the kids from smoking, if I could have done that as a child, I wouldn’t be smoking now probably.”
Liam Berry hasn’t seen the new packaging yet since he quit smoking tobacco cigarettes, but he still isn’t convinced they will be effective, especially because tobacco products have always had warnings and they never deterred him in the past.
“I don’t know if it’s worth the time, it’s not probably worth the money that goes into it,” he said.
“I can understand the need for that. They’re just trying to make some type of deterrent for it, it makes sense that people are informed, but I didn’t care when I was smoking tobacco cigarettes.”
These new rules came into effect on August 1, 2023, making Canada the first country in the world to require companies to print a warning on each individual cigarette.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, more than 45,000 Canadian deaths are due to smoking tobacco each year and about 75 per cent of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking tobacco across the country.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.