86.15EM Emergency Resolution: Tobacco Marketing Board
Whereas, The Government of Canada is supporting the establishment of a Tobacco Marketing Board, which will be used for the promotion and protection of the Canadian tobacco farmers;
Whereas, The Government of Canada plans to make available $90 million in interest-free payments to the tobacco producers (for storage costs of tobacco while waiting for a better market price);
Whereas, The long-term viability of the tobacco industry can be assured only by high consumption of the end product – cigarettes;
Whereas, The research indicates that tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke are clearly harmful to all individuals;
Whereas, Smoking costs Canadians $5.2 billion annually (disability and health-care costs, lost wages, etc.); and,
Whereas, Many health-related organizations such as the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Cancer Society, and the Canadian Public Health Association also recognize the health risks of tobacco; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada strongly urge the Government of Canada to cease forthwith all efforts to sustain and support the production and sale of tobacco through a tobacco marketing board; and further,
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to maintain support for the change-over to other crops through monies already provided to farmers.