"Let us give credit where credit is due: Mr. Mills really meant what he said and he stuck to it."

Prediction: Tobacco sales won't be affected, but sales of cigarette cases will soar.
Remember those elegant silver or gold cases; the beautiful tapestry cases that hold a pack of 20? There's also some cardboard packaging available to transfer your purchase into for those who are more 'disposable' minded. Check out Funpacks

"We have a 1-800 snitch line -- isn't that like communism?.......I thought this was a democracy."

"Mr. Rock (Health Minister) blamed the increase in the number of young smokers on the tobacco companies' alleged scheme. The minister said the rate of smoking among 15- to 19-year-olds increased to 31% in 1995-96 from 21% in 1991. "The government of Canada and public health advocates believe that this rise in the rate of youth smoking is due in large part to the rollback on cigarette taxes that was forced upon us by the rise in smuggling in the early 1990s," Mr. Rock said.

Perhaps the Hon. Minister and "public health advocates" should have a good, hard, long look at their own contribution to this rise in underage smoking. Constant harangues, and 'big brother knows best' techniques never have worked on the young. Strange, this surge in youth smoking also coincides with the full frontal attack launched by anti-smoking proponents. That lobby group, with the full cooperation of the Canadian Government, waved a red flag in front of the youth in this Country - and they reacted predictably. (as any parent could tell you)

The allegation of 'smuggling' is well addressed in National Post editorial. Indeed, we all look forward to the Canadian Federal Governmen'ts lawsuit against our First Nation. Perhaps they might even deign to sue them in CANADA.

A fraud is a fraud, and any law based on it is doomed to fail. The anti-smoking elitists who have taken this method of coercion to foist on the general public a socially and economically destructive situation are eventually going to find themselves defending this course of action in a court of law.

With the implementation of the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) province-wide ban on smoking in the workplace (to "protect workers from the dangers of ETS") due January 2000, it's going to get worse. The WCB is setting up a 'snitch line' for offending businesses to be reported to; should do wonders for the economy, not to mention personal friendships - and society in general.

"Health-care workers must refuse to treat clients who are smoking in their own homes, and cleaning staff and food-servers are not allowed to enter a smoker's hotel room under new Workers' Compensation Board regulations effective Jan 1."

Alberta has reportedly passed legislation to make it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to smoke in public. So, if parents aren't adverse to THEIR teenagers using tobacco, instead of turning to prescription drugs to alleviate exacerbating home situations (which are not unusual given current the 'social scheme' of things), the wrath of the law is to come down on them. Good old fashioned rebellion against authority, which those concerned solely with physical health really have no understanding of, has a great deal to do with this entire issue. These new 'criminals' will presumably be exhorted/forced to place THEIR children in the hands of 'professionals' - who will undoubtedly immediately issue a prescription for Prozac, Ritalin, etc....or prescribe counselling and therapy.....all at taxpayer expense of course, and benefiting the pharmaceutical companies' bottom lines. Of course it's unthinkable that those advocating this type of 'treatment' would have an investment portfolio or career concentrated in those areas - isn't it? They reputably 'love' everyone, and only want what's best - don't they?

The above link is to a Canadian Press (CP) article, as reported in the Edmonton Sun, addressing this issue being faced by a school principal in Baden, Ontario. It appears that Ontario Provincial Health Minister, Elizabeth Witmer, would rather see high school students run over by cars/trucks than see them accommodated in safe smoking facilities.

Anti-smoking lobby groups such as Physicians for a Smoke Free Canada have managed to INCREASE teenage smoking statistics by 35% over the past 5 years with their incessant diatribes and warnings of death. They just don't get it.......the 'kids' are young enough to feel immune - and their PARENTS are far too smart to believe that groups like this are qualified to direct other people's personal lifestyles and methods of coping with the stresses of life - especially when you can do it enjoyably without the intervention of supremely unqualified 'professionals' - when it comes to THEIR individual family history.

Hands off the "kids"; all of us don't pray to the Health god - and the children know that.

Alberta has reportedly passed legislation to make it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to smoke in public. So, if parents aren't adverse to THEIR teenagers using tobacco, instead of turning to prescription drugs to alleviate exacerbating home situations (which are not unusual given current the 'social scheme' of things), the wrath of the law is to come down on them. Good old fashioned rebellion against authority, which those concerned solely with physical health really have no understanding of, has a great deal to do with this entire issue. These new 'criminals' will presumably be exhorted/forced to place THEIR children in the hands of 'professionals' - who will undoubtedly immediately issue a prescription for Prozac, Ritalin, etc....or prescribe counselling and therapy.....all at taxpayer expense of course, and benefiting the pharmaceutical companies' bottom lines. Of course it's unthinkable that those advocating this type of 'treatment' would have an investment portfolio or career concentrated in those areas - isn't it? They reputably 'love' everyone, and only want what's best - don't they?

The above link is to a Canadian Press (CP) article, as reported in the Edmonton Sun, addressing this issue being faced by a school principal in Baden, Ontario. It appears that Ontario Provincial Health Minister, Elizabeth Witmer, would rather see high school students run over by cars/trucks than see them accommated in safe smoking facilities.

Anti-smoking lobby groups such as Physicians for a Smoke Free Canada have managed to INCREASE teenage smoking statistics by 35% over the past 5 years with their incessant diatribes and warnings of death. They just don't get it.......the 'kids' are young enough to feel immune - and their PARENTS are far too smart to believe that groups like this are qualified to direct other people's personal lifestyles and methods of coping with the stresses of life - especially when you can do it enjoyably without the intervention of supremely unqualified 'professionals' - when it comes to THEIR individual family history.

Hands off the "kids"; all of us don't pray to the Health god - and the children know that.

The author also provides a history lesson on the meaning of moral fascism in demonstrating the parallels of what happened in Nazi Germany regarding tobacco, and what's going on today.

“......It was a vicious propaganda campaign, draconian taxation and restrictions on indoor smoking that ultimately succeeded in increasing German smoking rates by some 50 per cent between 1932-1939.”

Now these zealots are trying to undermine the very rule of law, and<

"The cost includes the integrity of our liberal democratic institutions, as evidenced by British Columbia's Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act. Currently being challenged on constitutional grounds by the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council, that act exposes the willingness of the anti-tobacco lobby -- aided by greedy politicians and moral fanatics -- to undermine the rule of law and the separation of powers."

Could it be that the Hon. A. Rock is looking to score some political points, along with photo ops, in a leadership bid? If so, perhaps

"......he should reflect on the fact that more Candians smoke than voted Liberal in the last election........"

As more and more people become aware of the fraudulent tactics being used by the anti-smoking faction in servicing their 'Smoke Free' agenda, he would do well to heed the advice that

How low can an antismoking government fall? This is the question. A true Mickey Mouse character can actually get notoriety and money, and he can even be HIRED BY A GOVERNMENT -- as long as he lies about the tobacco industry!

It appears to be forgotten that the tobacco industry is LEGAL, and any LEGAL industry is entitled to practise marketing techniques designed to enhance their products' consumer appeal, and broaden the base. You'll note from the exposé that when these so-called terrible deeds were being carried out out, the LEGAL age for purchasing tobacco was 16. This is something like the old anti-smoking rallying cry "3,000 (or is it million?) kids start smoking everyday".......neglecting to tell you that the only children involved in the study were all 20 years old and over, and LEGALLY entitled to do so.

As a matter of fact as it now turns out, tobacco companies needn't have bothered trying to ensure a continuing market for their products. Since the anti-smoking financial feeding frenzy started being conducted in earnest, youth smoking rates have shot up. These zealots are the best, and only, advertising for the product these days; seems to be all it needs.

The final paragraph of the article announces that the Hon. A. Rock, Minister of Health Canada is to meet with Jeffrey Wigand of 'Insider' movie 'fame'. Have a look at Inside the 'Insider'

While you're at it, check out Jeffrey Wigand's reference from former employer Biosonics Inc. Our Government's new 'consultant' - wonder how many hard earned Canadian taxpayer dollars they'll throw his way.