There are times when politicians put aside their differences in pursuit of the public good and our democratic institutions can be celebrated. One such occasion occurred last October when Parliamentarians worked across party lines to adopt new national tobacco legislation to prohibit fruit, candy and other flavours in cigarettes and cigarillos.

Most parents would be shocked to learn that cigarillos — little cigars — were being sold in colourful packages with flavours such as chocolate, mint, vanilla, strawberry, grape, cherry and peach. But Canadian youth are disturbingly familiar with these products. The national Youth Smoking Survey for the 2008-09 school year found that 40 per cent of students in Grades 10–12 had tried smoking cigarillos/cigars, and that 18 per cent had smoked them in the past month.

In the 2008 federal election, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised to ban these flavoured tobacco products, and to further restrict tobacco advertising. In May 2009, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq implemented this campaign promise by introducing world precedent setting legislation in Canada’s Parliament. Despite strong opposition from international tobacco interests, the bill was supported by all political parties. Following a nine-month transition period, the legislation came into force on July 5 when flavoured cigarettes and cigarillos came off store shelves across Canada.

While this is a victory for the health of all Canadians it is also an example of Parliament at its very best. Politicians of all political stripes worked together so that our youth would be protected. Our politicians should be congratulated and we should be proud.

Daniel Demers

Director of Public Issues

National Public Issues Office

Canadian Cancer Society

Ottawa