SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS TOBACCO LAW

Released on January 19, 2005

The Supreme Court of Canada today ruled in favour of the Government of Saskatchewan by overturning the October 2003 Saskatchewan Court of Appeal decision that tobacco product display and promotion provisions of the provincial Tobacco Control Act conflict with the federal Tobacco Act.

The Supreme Court ruling means that the ban on tobacco product display and promotion is again the law in Saskatchewan.

"Since the Rothmans, Benson and Hedges challenge of June 2002, we have vigorously defended this important law," Health Minister John Nilson said. "The purpose of the tobacco display provisions of our legislation is to denormalize tobacco use so that young people do not grow up viewing smoking as a normal, or accepted, activity. Today, the highest court in the country agreed that we have authority to legislate in this area."

The Tobacco Control Act became law in March of 2002. It broke new ground by banning the display and promotion of tobacco products in retail establishments where children are permitted. Support for Saskatchewan's position in the Supreme Court appeal came from the federal government and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Health groups such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Lung Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Medical Association also provided support by intervening in the case.

"What we are doing in Saskatchewan has implications for the rest of the country," Nilson said. "It is fitting that this ruling comes during National Non-smoking Week. We are joining with people across Canada to protect the health of our citizens, especially our youngest citizens, from the devastating and deadly health effects of tobacco use."

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-2743