A SMOKE FREE CANADA IS POSSIBLE - IMPERIAL TOBACCO CANADA CALLS FOR A UNITED APPROACH TO REDUCING SMOKING RATES Français

MONTREAL, Jan. 20, 2025 /CNW/ - As National Non-Smoking Week begins, in an open letter to politicians and health groups, Imperial Tobacco Canada appeals for a coordinated and joint effort by government, health organizations, academics and the private sector to embrace pragmatic, science-based policies to reduce smoking rates to below five percent and become a smoke-free nation.

"Canada stands at a pivotal moment in the fight against smoking. Despite significant progress, smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death, with over 12 percent of Canadians still smoking," writes Frank Silva, President and CEO of Imperial Tobacco Canada. "Alarmingly, many people mistakenly believe that smokeless alternatives—such as vaping products, or nicotine pouches (an innovative nicotine replacement therapy that can aid in quitting)—are just as harmful as cigarettes."

Mr. Silva cites Sweden and New Zealand as examples for Canada to follow. Both countries have dramatically reduced their smoking rates by prioritizing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products.

In November 2024, Sweden was the first country to official become smoke-free. Sweden's public health agency show that just 4.5 percent of the nation's Swedish-born adults smoke – significantly below the globally recognised benchmark of 5 precent for smoke free status.

The company outlines three key points that can drive a decrease in smoking rates:

• Stop Young People from Using Nicotine Products
• Eliminate Contraband Nicotine Products
• Empower Smokers to Quit or Seek Less-Harmful Alternatives

"I know that some of you view the tobacco and nicotine industry's involvement to reduce smoking with skepticism," continued Mr. Silva. "Only together can we design solutions that protect youth, support smokers in their journey to quit or switch to a less harmful alternative and tackle the contraband market head-on."

About Imperial Tobacco Canada

Imperial Tobacco Canada is Canada's leading tobacco and nicotine products company and is part of the world's most international tobacco group: BAT. At BAT, our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

Our vision is for A Smokeless World built on smokeless products where, ultimately, cigarettes have become a thing of the past. A world where smokers have migrated from cigarettes to smokeless alternatives. A world where smokers make a Switch to Better.  

SOURCE Imperial Tobacco Canada

For more information or interview requests, please contact: Dalia Esposito, Torchia Communications, 514-654-2635, [email protected]; Mary Moniz, Torchia Communications, 647-278-0152, [email protected]