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The Lung Association welcomes fines levied against tobacco industry

August 1, 2008

(Ottawa) – The Lung Association today released the following statement in response to yesterday's announcement of fines levied by federal and provincial governments against tobacco companies that aided contraband tobacco sales:

The $1.15 billion in fines levied against the tobacco industry by the federal and provincial governments is good news. It underscores the need to hold the tobacco industry to account for the tactics they use against Canadians. That said, no price paid by the tobacco industry can compare to the price already paid by people who are suffering from, or have died from, tobacco-related diseases.

Contraband tobacco remains a serious problem in many areas across the country and undermines Canada's current tobacco control strategy. The consequences for public health are severe: higher smoking rates, more youth becoming addicted, and more disease and death.

An estimated 37,000 Canadians will die this year from smoking-related diseases and approximately 1,000 die annually from second-hand smoke

Smoking and tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of lung disease and death in Canada

Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada's oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Cameron Bishop
Director of Government Affairs and Media Relations
The Lung Association
613-569-6411, ext, 223
cbishop@lung.ca

For more information contact:
Cameron Bishop
Director of Government Affairs and Media Relations
The Canadian Lung Association
Phone: 613-569-6411, ext. 223
Website: www.lung.ca

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