Health experts are calling on Ottawa to take inspiration from a New Zealand policy and ban the sale of cigarettes for life for anyone born after 2008 Globe and mail.
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Smoking cessation clinical researcher at the University of Ottawa's Heart Institute, Andrew Pipe, believes New Zealand's policy deserves special attention from Health Canada and the Minister of Health, Mental Health and Addictions.
“This is an ideal way to prevent the development of a new generation of nicotine addicts,” he said. We need to think about it and examine this option very carefully.”
He added that tobacco continues to place an “incredible burden” on the health system today. Andrew Pipe noted that Britain is considering passing a law similar to the one planned in New Zealand. He believes there is a great opportunity for Ottawa to follow suit.
The New Zealand law has been welcomed by several countries around the world. It should ban the sale of cigarettes for life to young people born after 2008. However, new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon indicated that elected officials would repeal the law before it came into force.
Dr. Pipe believes the New Zealanders' project is a pragmatic way to make a difference.
Vera Etches, an Ottawa public health official, commented on the federal tobacco and e-cigarette products law last November. She also argued that the government should take inspiration from New Zealand.
For his part, Canadian Cancer Society senior policy analyst Rob Cunningham supports New Zealand's policy. He recalled that the majority of Canadians started smoking when they were teenagers.