Warning labels on cigarette packages in Canada, which feature disturbing images
that include a diseased tongue and a child wearing an oxygen mask, are among the
toughest in the world, but more needs to be done, such as plain packaging, to
reduce smoking rates, according to a new report. The Canadian Cancer Society published an international report Wednesday that
comprehensively ranks cigarette warning labels in 198 countries and
jurisdictions around the world. Rankings were based on the size of warnings on
cigarette packages and whether countries have introduced picture warnings on
packages. Canada moved up to fourth in the world rankings in 2012, a major boost from 15th
place in 2010. Although it’s an improvement, Canada still hasn’t reclaimed its
top spot. Canada was the first country in the world to introduce graphic warning labels on
cigarette packages. But in 2010, the federal government announced it was
shelving the introduction of larger warning labels with new graphic images. The
CBC later reported the plan was halted after the tobacco industry lobbied the
federal government. Soon after that report aired, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq
said the update would go ahead. The new warnings, which cover 75 per cent of
cigarette packages, were rolled out earlier this year.
The leader of the pack in this year’s survey is Australia, the first country to
pass legislation requiring plain packaging on cigarettes in addition to graphic
health warnings. In August, Australia’s highest court dismissed a challenge from
the tobacco industry, and the new packaging will be rolled out next month.
