Report to the Conference of the Parties on the Implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Part V: Program and Plans

• 3. General Obligations
  
  1. A national coordinating mechanism or focal point(s) for tobacco control
  2. Protection of policies from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry?

---

3. General Obligations

(a) A national coordinating mechanism or focal point(s) for tobacco control

Health Canada's Tobacco Control Programme (federal government), through both the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy and the National Strategy acts as the coordinating mechanism for tobacco control in Canada. Provinces and territories as well as non-government organizations feed into activities undertaken at the national level.

In addition, each province and territory also has its own tobacco control strategy and is the focal point for activities within their respective jurisdictions.

(b) Protection of policies from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry

The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy is implemented separately from industry activities and it is Health Canada's policy not to partner with the tobacco industry on tobacco control programming. However, the federal government does consult directly with the tobacco industry on issues that affect the industry and/or tobacco workers (for example, on the development of regulations). The government also pre-publishes proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette and invites stakeholder feedback, thus providing another avenue for industry consultation.

Legislation and regulations on tobacco control are often challenged through the judicial system by the tobacco industry. Federal, provincial and municipal governments, with the help of non-governmental organizations, have repeatedly defended their legislation from tobacco industry court appeals.