Why isn the Government implementing a complete ban on tobacco advertising?
• A8. The unanimous Supreme Court decision of June 2007 confirmed that tobacco companies have the right to advertise based on the constitutional protection of commercial expression under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. From Health Canada’s perspective, the decision left the door open to regulate further where youth are concerned. The proposed legislation would leave only two remaining ‘windows’ through which the industry could advertise: • On signs in areas where minors are prohibited (e.g. bars and nightclubs); and • In publications provided by mail to a named adult.
