Elaine McCoy’s straight-talk express

The Alberta senator insists on applying fact to the great cigarillo debate.

The Alberta senator insists on applying fact to the great cigarillo debate.

So, what exactly are the facts behind Bill C-32? Proponents of the bill insist that smoking cigarillos leads children to increase their cigarette addiction. Yet Health Canada’s own research fails to support their allegation. According to the latest Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey, the trend line for cigarette smokers under 18 has remained virtually flat over the past four years … As to cigarillo consumption … the latest survey clearly demonstrates that most Canadians who buy and consume flavoured tobacco products are of legal age to do so…

Call me a level-headed legislator, if you like, but I must say I prefer to base my decisions on evidence.