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Last Updated: Jan 31st, 2007 - 10:58:43 |
Price increase for smokes urged
Nov 7, 2006, 17:02
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Anti-smoking activists in the province want the price of cigarettes to rise with the unwelcomed rate of puffing. The Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta is calling for a tobacco tax increase to curb the province's upturn in cigarette sales, said spokeswoman Lorie Boychuk. "Prices are such that people are able to afford them, so we'd like to see a $1 to $2 tobacco tax increase," said Boychuk of pushing per-pack cigarette costs up from the current $10 to $11 rate. The anti-smoking coalition, which is comprised of non-profit organizations, is concerned by a provincial government report tobacco shipments have increased for a third consecutive year - up 2.6% over last year and 11% since 2003 - suggesting more Albertans are smoking. In July, Health Canada reported survey results showing the amount of new teen smokers in Alberta rose 8,000 in 2005 compared to one year earlier. "We cannot allow tobacco companies to target young Albertans with price discounts," Boychuk said. "Evidence shows young people are particularly sensitive to tobacco pricing, and Alberta's boom may be contributing to increased sales by making cigarettes more affordable."
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