"Bill 186 takes several important steps in the right direction toward comprehensive control of contraband tobacco."
Michael Perley, Director, Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco
"Bill 186 and announcements of enhanced support for smoking cessation, prevention of youth smoking and access to nicotine replacement therapies steer tobacco control in Ontario a significant distance in the right direction."
Doris Grinspun, Executive Director, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario
"The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario warmly welcomes the government's enhanced commitment to smoking cessation in Ontario and reducing the supply of illegal tobacco across the province. We are committed to supporting initiatives that seek to improve the health of Ontarians and our health care system. We congratulate the government on this important initiative."
Dr. Lynne Thurling, President, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
"Ontario's doctors are pleased that Bill 186 has passed because it is another important step in the ongoing fight against tobacco. We will continue to work with the government to get illegal smokes out of the hands of young people."
Stewart Kennedy, President, Ontario Medical Association
"The Canadian Cancer Society applauds the Ontario government's decision to invest additional resources into smoking cessation so that individuals who want to quit smoking can find the support they need. As a key member of the Tobacco Strategic Advisory Group, we are pleased our expertise in tobacco control has been acknowledged and our recommendations taken seriously. About 13,000 Ontarians die each year from tobacco use -- this investment will save lives."
Martin Kabat, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division.
"We applaud the Ontario government for recognizing that smoking is an addiction and their commitment to make it easier for Ontarians to receive support in their quit attempts. Today's announcement of funding towards a comprehensive smoking cessation system will improve the health of all Ontarians by helping to reduce one of the primary risk factors of heart disease and stroke, and by decreasing the high costs of hospitalization and treatment associated with the addiction."
Laura Syron, Vice President of Research, Advocacy and Health Promotion at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
"The comprehensive approach to addressing tobacco addiction by this province is exemplary. They are providing the right tools and resources to help people quit and improve their health."
Dr. Peter Selby, Clinical Director, Addictions Program and Head of the Nicotine Dependence Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
"Ontario Lung Association is heartened by the Ontario government's ongoing commitment to improving the health of all Ontarians. We welcome today's announcement and believe that improved access to smoking cessation products and services and a focus on preventing youth from starting to smoke are important elements of a provincial lung health action plan. Smoking kills and is a leading contributor to lung disease. Every step to help a smoker quit is the right one."
George Habib, President and CEO, Ontario Lung Association
"Contraband cigarettes in Ontario are not a result of high taxes on cigarettes, but rather of a supply chain that makes this product readily available."
Robert Schwartz, Deputy Director and Director of Evaluation and Monitoring Ontario Tobacco Research Unit
