CANADIAN SENATE - BILL S-13

When an opponent declares, "I will not come over to your side," I calmly say, "Your child belongs to us already.... What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community."

(Adolf Hitler (1889-1945). German dictator. Speech, 6 Nov. 1933. Quoted in: William L. Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, ch. 8, "Education in the Third Reich" (1959).)

September 1998

Senator Colin Kenny's Bill S-13 'the Tobacco Industry Responsibility Act', has been passed by the Senate, and is now before the House of Commons. In addition to the per-carton levy, this Bill proposes to set up a foundation, "independent of government", to disburse the estimated $120 million a year to health organizations (lung cancer, etc.) and community-based programs aimed at helping youth stop or not start (smoking) by the addition of another five cents added to the cost of each package of cigarettes.

Sen. Kenny has been travelling throughout the Country approaching the media in major centres to gain backing for this Bill.

On the face of it, as it directed toward helping teens make the 'right choice', it would be expected that little opposition would be incurred. However, perhaps the Senator has forgotten that SMOKERS also raise families, and the last thing these parents need is to have their authority, and discipline, undermined by the government. There are enough problems in raising teens these days without some 'well intentioned' people encouraging children to criticise their parents - especially for the use of a LEGAL product. Passing the non-smoking message along to the offspring is rightfully the job of parents - if they choose to do so. Not everyone believes in the current politically correct position on this issue.

As this Bill is now before the House, it's imperative that citizens contact their MPs and let them know that this type of government intrusion into private family life is neither welcome, nor wanted.