Rock to hit male smokers right where it hurts

The Globe and Mail, Dennis Bueckert, Canadian Press, Ottawa

18 January 1999

Smoking is hazardous to your erection. Smoking can seriously shrink your manhood. Smoking can cause impotence.

The wording has not be revealed, but some reference to male sexual performance will likely be included in a new batch of cigarette package messages to be announced today by federal Health Minister Allan Rock, sources said.

Research has shown smoking can cause erectile dysfunction and experts believe this fact might have more impact on male smokers than familiar warnings of cancer and death.

Mr. Rock is to reveal the proposed new health warnings today at an Ottawa luncheon sponsored by Physicians for a Smoke-Free Society to mark National No-Smoking Week.

He will also announce tough new restrictions on in-store displays and advertising of tobacco products.

"It's the start of an aggressive campaign against tobacco use and it represents a turning point." Mr. Rock's spokesman Derek Kent said.

Cynthia Callard of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada said Mr. Rock has shaken up the Health Department, naming new people to key posts in the tobacco policy area.

"I'm quite excited actually. There's a different tone of discussion, an openness to different ideas, an intensity of work that's visible to us on the outside," she said.

David Sweanor of the Non-Smokers' Rights Association is also optimistic.

"I think the mere fact that (Mr. Rock) has agreed to appear at that luncheon, and the timing in terms of National Non-Smoking Week, would be an indication that he is planning on making some serious announcements."

Robert Parker, president of the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' Council, said Mr. Rock's offensive is motivated by politics rather (than) health policy.

"This is Rock proving to the (anti-smoking groups) that, oh yes, he can be roughy-tough-tough on the tobacco companies. The only thing that surprises me is that anyone would believe it's about smoking."

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