Jump to full article: Canada Newswire (CNW) (ca), 2002-02-15
Intro: Today ASH received a damaging internal tobacco industry document revealing a covert strategy to undermine the Alberta government's proposed tobacco control program.
The name "Jock" appears at the bottom of the document. Jock Osler of Osler Communications in Calgary is believed to be the tobacco industry's primary lobbyist in Alberta. Osler is well known in political circles in Alberta and he is regarded as a veteran Tory organizer. Osler is also the chairman of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts-an Alberta government foundation.
The document describes an underhanded campaign to fight the proposed strategy, stating, "The apprehension on the part of at least some MLAs suggests that a grassroots lobbying campaign should be mounted and executed immediatel (sic) to capitalize on that apprehension". The document then suggests "The retailers (not the manufacturers) should now lead the charge individually with their MLAs and collectively with the health minister, the premier and others".
The author of the document also reveals his involvement with the lobbying campaign by stating "The Alberta Committee for Responsible Tobacco Retailing, an ad hoc group representing manufacturers, distributors and retailers to which I give guidance is probably going to meet late next week in Calgary. The retailers will be encouraged to lead the charge." . .
"This incredibly damning document reveals the disturbing lengths to which the tobacco industry will go to undermine public health in Alberta", said Les Hagen, executive director. "The tobacco companies know that they have very little credibility and that's why they are using retailers to do their dirty work for them", he added. "MLAs who are getting lobbied by tobacco retailers should know who is really behind the initiative".
The document also reveals the author's concern over the strategies proposed by an interdepartmental committee lead by AADAC, including initiatives to reduce tobacco use among youth. The author lists several "unsettling highlights" in the AADAC report, including recommendations to "Prohibit youth under 18 from using, possessing or selling tobacco" and to "Prohibit... starter products".
"This document confirms the tobacco industry's interest in preserving the youth market despite vigorous public denials", Hagen stated. . .
"We urge the Alberta government to reject these sleazy and underhanded tactics by approving the proposed tobacco reduction strategy in its entirety" Hagen declared.
Jump to full article » |