Few sane adults are prepared to carry around the graphic messages proposed by anti-tobacco fanatics and Health Canada in the campaign to terrorize smokers into quitting - or others not to start.

They just don't get it. The product is LEGAL, people enjoy it, and there is a demand for it. Anyone who is not fully informed by now of the potential health risks involved must have recently arrived from another planet.

So far, the only 'growth industry' Canada appears to have is anti-tobacco; nice to see the potential for new packaging entrepeneurs develop.
 
 
Collectors' item coming up grotesque new labels due 23 December 2000 - 22 September 2000 - Tobacco companies have lost their case to delay grotesque new labelling requirements until the constitutionality of this federal legislation is determined. 

Does the federal government really think this new packaging will stop the kids? Not a hope. It'll be: 'Trade ya 2 limps for one of them hydrogen cyanides'. How thoughtful of Health Canada to provide a new collecting source and bid-game "for the children".

In order to assist the federal government in preventing this unforeseen consequence, it's recommended that all ADULT smokers send their empty packages back to:
The Hon. A. Rock, Minister of Health
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, Canada 
K1A 0K9

Be sure you've 'collected' your own set first. This particular evidence of government 'obsession' with controlling citizens' behaviour is certain to be worth $s down the line.
 

Alberta under attack - 19 September 2000 - "When they brought in the provincewide ban in British Columbia there were 730 jobs lost and up to an 80% drop in revenue at some establishments," says Hansen. "That's not what we want here." 

Check : 

B.C. - WCB Must Undertake Economic Impact Study on New Smoking Regulations

The damage was done from 01 January - 22 March 2000. It took less than 3 months for the economic repercussions to show up. Of course this was all in the name of 'health', so that makes it OK - right? Ask some former hospitality workers how many well funded anti-smoking proponents they've encountered while scrounging around at the food bank. 

It's time for some government/pharmaceutical funding cuts - especially in the anti-tobacco sector. When you're PAID and PROFIT from promotion of the the 'Smoke-free' agenda, very little of what is said has any relativity to the real world; 'real' people, with 'real' jobs know that all too well. So sorry this social engineering experiment in 'behaviour control' is doomed to failure; when you take on adults with those magnificent laboratory 'theories'.....well, you can always retrain.

It can only be hoped that the current Federal Government of Canada is paying attention to the fact that they've managed to alienate over 25% of the population who use a legal product. That information might come in handy since it's going to be necessary to go to the 'polls' in the not too distant future. 
 
B.C.-WCB Must Undertake Economic Impact Study on New Smoking Regulations - 30 August2000 - It's about time! Vance Campbell, Vice-President of the Cabaret Owners Association of BC said "It’s cold comfort for the 730 unemployed workers, the nine businesses that went bankrupt and the $100 million in lost business that occurred because of the WCB’s (Workers Compensation Board) zero tolerance approach. But at least the government is finally listening and will look into the economic consequences of smoking bans." 

Yes, there are consequences and not everyone is willing to consider themselves expendable as those pushing the 'smoke free' agenda seem to believe they should.

Ontario/U.S.A. lawsuit defeated - 11 August 2000 - Canadian anti-tobacco fanatics just don't get it. What they're attempting to do is ILLEGAL according to U.S.A. law.  "Judge Friedman relied on the same reasoning he used last December when he threw out a similar suit by Guatemala on the basis that the injuries suffered by that government were "too remote" to permit legal recovery against the defendants. The judge suggested that if foreign governments, or their citizens, believe they have a case against the tobacco industry, such claims should be brought by smokers in their home courts."

The lawsuit that Italy recently declared to be initiating in that part of North America will no doubt meet the same fate. Too bad that the U.S.A. set precedent(s) for this type of extortion.

Primarily, these 'health cost recovery' lawsuits, by countries attempting compensation, need to be proved scientifically. That means the 'evidence' can be challenged in a court of law. What Florida/USA began, followed by British Columbia/Canada ... legislation ordering the court to accept 'evidence' offered without question ... is tantamount to a government declaring that if they say you're guilty - you are. Why bother with the law? Just give us the money. ('do the time' for individuals)

And you wonder why young people these days are cynical?
 
Canada appeals dismissal of $1B U.S. tobacco suit  - 29 July 2000 - The Federal Government of Canada is still out to get their 'pound of flesh'. So far this vindictive pursuit of the 'Smoke Free' agenda has cost the Canadian taxpayer $3.76 million in legal fees.

Excessive taxation and pseudo-prohibition leads to crime. Period. 

"The government also says the (tobacco) manufacturers' council tried to throw the government off by blaming the smuggling on organized crime."

The government doubts the existence of this? Millionaires were made during alcohol prohibition - and the government didn't get a dime. A rethink of the "government's anti-smoking campaign and its ability to collect taxes on the cigarettes" would appear to be in order.
 
Fraser Institute Says Tobacco Regulation Inflamed by Taxes, Not by Smoking - July 27, 2000 - VANCOUVER, BC - "Tobacco regulation has missed its objective of decreasing smoking says a new paper, The History of Tobacco Regulation:  Forward to the Past, released today by The Fraser Institute. ' I suggest that government regulation of tobacco is a mix of good intentions, confusion, and the self-interest of regulators and their supporters, ' says the paper's author Filip Palda"

  Canoe News Service  'e-chat' with FORCES Manitoba President - 22 July 2000 - On Thursday July 20 at 1 p.m. E.T. CANOE held a chat with Warren Klass, President of FORCES Manitoba. Warren fielded some tough questions from anti-smokers as this transcript shows.

An asthmatic himself, the science surrounding the secondhand smoke issue has always been of interest to him. The evidence on asthma/ETS referred to in the transcript can be found at Smoke and the Asthma Epidemic: A Reality Check

FORCES was well represented by Mr. Klass, who made himself available on very short notice.
 

Ban likely harmful to electoral health - 19 July 2000 - In this letter published by the Winnipeg Free Press Newspaper, President of FORCES Manitoba, Warren Klass, points out to politicians that "Micro-management of people's lifestyle can be very harmful to electoral health on voting day."

Contrary to what anti-smoking proponents would like everyone to believe, not all smokers "want to quit". Politicians would do well to remember that there are more consumers of tobacco products in this Country than those who voted Liberal in the last election. The disruption in the lives of individuals, as well as businesses, caused by the 'war' declared upon them to advance the 'tobacco control' agenda will not be forgotten at the ballot box.

Another government predatory attempt defeated - $1B TOBACCO LAWSUIT SNUFFED OUT - Costly defeat for Ottawa: New York judge rules U.S. courts cannot enforce Canadian tax policy - 09 July 2000 - "A U.S. federal judge has thrown out the $1-billion Canadian government lawsuit that accused one of the country's big tobacco companies of evading billions of dollars in taxes by smuggling cigarettes into Canada

The decision to dismiss the federal government's lawsuit -- believed to be the largest ever launched by Ottawa -- is a stunning and costly setback for Allan Rock, the Health Minister, and the federal government, which has already paid a record $3.76-million in fees for high-powered U.S. legal representation." Congratulations to the tobacco industry… and who has paid for this last predatory, fanatical attempt while the Canadian health care system in in shambles? The Canadian Taxpayers, of course!

Tobacco firms will ask court to cancel label rules - 06 July 2000 - Canadian citizens may be spared from the contemplated Medical Pornography Health Canada has in mind.

"....Citizens are to be presumed capable of leading their own lives and making their own decisions. They're not to be subjected to vivid and visceral propaganda; that's for illiberal regimes....."

Oh - in case no one noticed - the recent development in the government of Canada's determination to recover costs related to smuggling/taxes via the USA legal system, has been thrown out. "In layman's terms, the judge said that Canada is trying to use the U.S. court to settle a tax dispute and this is not the appropriate forum." Not only that, it's illegal according to current USA law. This is addressed in the linked article.

These anti-smoking fanatics and pharmaceutical company 'bottom-liners', just don't get it. Your 'help' was not asked for. You are considered to be an intrusion into the lives of normally law abiding, taxpaying citizens. You are not wanted, not needed, and we sincerely hope that you are able to find legitimate employment and another means of trying to justify your existence.

Medical Pornography - 03 July 2000 - On June 28th, Health Canada legislated graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging, effective January 2001. It appears they think the population has been dumbed-down enough that reading skills can't be relied upon.

A 'limp' cigarette will illustrate impotence, and diseased lungs and gums will be featured.

Can we look forward to pictures of rotted livers on alcohol labels? How about a fat clogged artery on on 'junk food' wrappers? Candy manufacturers especially should be aware how infinitely 'enlightening' labels depicting obesity and decayed teeth would be. For the public transportation lobby, mandatory labels on private vehicles depicting the potential of being wrapped around a tree, or a head on collision, might persuade some people to 'choose' mass transit. Now that government has thrown itself behind behaviour control in this manner, the social engineering possibilities 'by label' are infinite.

The original idea for this medical pornography came from none other than Hustler Magazine's Larry Flynt. It was Flynt who attempted to blackmail the tobacco companies by threatening to start displaying "Medical Pornography" in Hustler Magazine if the tobacco companies didn't start advertising in Hustler. The images Flynt threatened to publish in Hustler, are now the very same images The Hon. A. Rock, Minister of Health, wants mandated on Canadian cigarette packages.

"Label this idea misguided"

Cigarette cases will of course experience a boom in sales as alternative packaging, and it might be a good idea to mail the originals back to Health Canada. This would help keep them out of the hands of 'the children', who will no doubt start collecting these labels given their propensity for things gross and outrageous. 2 'limp' cigarettes = 1 diseased lung?

Once again the Government of Canada demonstrates just how far they are removed from, and out of touch with, the Citizens of this Country.

Tobacco firms will ask court to cancel label rules 06 July 2000 - Canadian citizens may be spared from the contemplated Medical Pornography Health Canada has in mind.

"....Citizens are to be presumed capable of leading their own lives and making their own decisions. They're not to be subjected to vivid and visceral propaganda; that's for illiberal regimes....."

Oh - in case no one noticed - the recent development in the government of Canada's determination to recover costs related to smuggling/taxes via the USA legal system, has been thrown out. "In layman's terms, the judge said that Canada is trying to use the U.S. court to settle a tax dispute and this is not the appropriate forum." Not only that, it's illegal according to current USA law. This is addressed in the linked article.

These anti-smoking fanatics and pharmaceutical company 'bottom-liners', just don't get it. Your 'help' was not asked for. You are considered to be an intrusion into the lives of normally law abiding, taxpaying citizens. You are not wanted, not needed, and we sincerely hope that you are able to find legitimate employment and another means of trying to justify your existence.

"In Flanders Fields the Poppies Blow...." 16 June 2000 - "between the crosses, row on row...." by Dr. John McCrae

This article typifies what anti-tobacco zealots in Canada have done, particularly with regard to war veterans. They've been reduced to designating funds from annual (11 November) Poppy Sales to 'smoking rooms' in order to live out their lives with some remaining comfort.

The following letter of response to this article was published in the National Post Newspaper on June 15th. The writer, Warren Klass, is also the President of FORCES Manitoba.

Evil campaign I would like to express my complete outrage that the heroes of "the greatest generation," who liberated a continent to restore decency and civilized values, are now thrown out in the freezing cold to have a cigarette to appease the likes of Allan Rock and other anti-smoking fanatics (Veterans Fight for Place to Smoke, June 14). What makes this especially ironic is Hitler's role in anti-smoking activism. I would just like to quote a brief excerpt from an article that appeared in the British Medical Journal titled The anti-tobacco campaign of the Nazis: a little known aspect of public health in Germany, 1933-45 by Penn State historian Robert N. Proctor. Any similarity between the antics and ideology of modern Canada is not purely co-incidental -- it's fully intended. Proctor writes: "Many Nazi leaders were vocal opponents of smoking. Anti-tobacco activists pointed out that whereas Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt were all fond of tobacco, the three major fascist leaders of Europe -- Hitler, Mussolini and Franco -- were all non-smokers. Hitler was the most adamant, characterizing tobacco as 'the wrath of the Red Man against the White Man for having been given hard liquor.' At one point the Fuhrer even suggested that Nazism might never have triumphed in Germany had he not given up smoking."
Warren Klass, Winnipeg - Manitoba

Disgust? Disbelief? .... is there a word to adequately describe how abhorrent these modern-day anti-smoking fanatics are? As a WW2 veteran's descendant, I certainly can't find one.

Anti-tobacco - the pay is good 04 June 2000 - The Canadian taxpayer is shelling out US$2,000 per day for the services of Jeffrey Wigand, of Insider movie 'fame', to assist the Federal Government in their anti-tobacco jihad.

It might be a good idea to let your Member of Parliament know what you think about this use of YOUR dollars. If you've ever doubted that there's money to be made by being part of the anti-smoking industry, this article should make you think twice.

Smokers' Anti-Defamation League - lonely? Think again. 24 May 2000 - Using the Criminal Code and the Charter of Rights, the Smokers' Anti-Defamation League/Canada proposes to initiate a lawsuit against the Government of Canada for promoting hatred, fear, and intolerance against consumers of a legal product. 

Have a look at "The Last Straw" from a citizen of Canada who speaks eloquently for those of us who contribute by extortionate taxation to the coffers of this Government. The claim of "smoking related health care costs" needs protection by legislation in the province of British Columbia in order to proceed to a court of law. They know the charges are indefensible and won't stand up to scrutiny. To make a buck, B.C. rewrites it's laws

For a great example of the extent of contortion that 'science' these days is willing to bend in order to further the 'Smoke Free' agenda in Canada have a look at A headline-grabbing study by Health Canada linking breast cancer and second-hand smoke is more a case of Ottawa blowing smoke

The Hon. A. Rock, Minister of Health/Canada, and Gro Harlem Bruntland, Director General/World Health Organization, should take notice. The time spent between birth and death is valued in terms other than 'reaching an optimum life span' by many citizens in countries other than Canada. Freedom definitely supersedes 'health', and then there's those small things like, pleasure, enjoyment, and contentment that don't appear to have any place in the 'brave new world' envisioned for us by the elites.

A good read about what's going on has just been issued by the Institute of Economic Affairs, London, England (you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader for this one). Chilling, but succinct.

The bureaucratic crucible 21 May 2000 - Vancouver writer Brian Salmi zeros right in on the Workers Compensation Board's (WCB) "zero-tolerance" policy regarding secondhand smoke.
"One whiff according to the suits in Richmond (WCB's headquarters), and your life is in peril."

The broader aspect of the promotion of social intolerance and hysteria surrounding this issue is also addressed in the article. As Mr. Salmi says, "Welcome to the future, the brave new world...."

Rule by Law - or government fiat? 18 May 2000 - Fiat: 1. Official Sanction; 2. Arbitrary Order "an authoritative and often arbitrary or unreasonable command"Encarta 2000 Dictionary, page 659

The Province of British Columbia is preparing once again to sue tobacco companies to recover 'smoking related' health care costs. They lost the last time around on a technicality (tried to sue outside their boundaries) and are back at it again. 

Not content with the $500 million they rake in on taxes annually from the LEGAL sale of this product, 'evidence' that the cost of treating smokers in this Province now totals $1.2 BILLION is to be accepted by the Court without challenge - by legislation. 

When anti-smoking fanatics aren't prepared to defend the 'science' from which that last figure is derived, and need protective legislation to shield them in a court of law - something stinks, and it isn't secondhand smoke.

B.C. Government 'consults' with the 'Insider' 14 May 2000 - In an effort to renew their lawsuit against tobacco companies, this Provincial Government has enlisted the services of purported 'expert' Jeffrey Wigand to advise them. Mr. Wigand's claim to fame is the Insider movie based on his 'whistle blowing' after leaving employment with Brown Williamson Tobacco Company. 

"....included detailed information on how Canadian cigarette-makers market their product by paying retailers 'display fees' to put smokes in prominent visual locations behind their counters."

Imagine that! Having the effrontery to market their LEGAL product the same way as other manufacturers of LEGAL products do. 

"The government has co-operated with several states (USA) as it assembles evidence to prove that tobacco companies knowingly sold dangerous products."

In what legal position does this place a government that knowingly allows the sale of a product it believes to be deadly - and profits from it by means of taxation?

Private Property Rights vs anti-smoking zealots 13 May 2000 - "One good rant deserves another" - this Edmonton Sun Newspaper article profiles the intervention of Canadian Property Rights Research Institute - Tobacco Freedom Page on behalf of hospitality establishment owners. 

A couple of Edmonton City Councillors have, 

".... managed to get enough support at committee level to force the administration to draw up a new smoking bylaw which will eventually go to council for a vote. All this despite the fact that there's been no public outcry to tamper with our existing law."

No, the only pressure that's been exerted is by anti-smoking lobbyists who have annointed themselves as arbiters of what's 'good' for everyone. 

".... a key thing to understand in this debate: Restaurants may be public places but they are NOT public property."
 
 

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