Canada: a bill introduced to snuff out drive to recruit young smokers..

July 11, 2008 - MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis, from Winnipeg North a member for the New Democratic Party has proposed legislation to strengthen Canada's tobacco laws and to protect young Canadians from new and dangerous novelty tobacco products. The bill would amend the federal Tobacco Act and curb the marketing of cigarillos. In recent years, candy-flavored cigarillos and other novelty tobacco products have become a significant threat to Canadian youth. Health Canada data released at the end of May shows that sales of cigarillos have grown by over 300% per year between 2001 and 2006, from fewer than 50,000 units to over 80 million. The legislation closes loopholes by: requiring that cigarillos be sold in the same size packages as cigarettes, requiring cigarillos to carry the same type of health warnings as cigarettes, banning the use of candy, liquor and other flavorings and banning the sale of 'blunts', another novelty tobacco product. The Canadian Coalition for Action on Tobacco is national coalition of health organizations strongly back the bill and aspect speedy passage. References: Health Groups Applaud Bill to Protect Youth From Novelty Tobacco Products, Reuters, 6/16/2008 and NDP bill will snuff out drive to recruit young smokers, NDP, 6/16/2008. Related news briefs: Still sucking our youngsters in..; Quebec - Teens Switch from Cigarettes to Cigarillos.. Click on image to enlarge..

Philip Morris USA Black & Mild Cigars - a family of pipe tobacco cigars in many different flavors is the top selling cigar package in the U.S. (as of 9/2004 - ACNielson) and very popular amongst young African Americans.
(TobaccoWatch.org)