Minister Pettigrew supports passage of reduced-fire-risk cigarette bill and will propose regulations under the Tobacco Act
April 1, 2004

OTTAWA -Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew applauds the passage of Bill C-260: An Act to Amend the Hazardous Products Act (fire-safe cigarettes) as it seeks to protect Canadians from fires caused by cigarettes, which is the leading cause of fire-related deaths in Canada. The bill, which became law yesterday, amends the Hazardous Products Act to allow provisions for reduced-fire-risk cigarettes.

Health Canada supports the idea of reducing the ignition propensity of cigarettes and is developing complementary regulations pursuant to the Tobacco Act. These regulations would mandate a reduction in the ignition propensity of all cigarettes sold in Canada - imported or otherwise.

"I am confident that these regulations will contribute to reducing the needless property damage, injuries, and deaths caused by cigarette-ignited fires," said Minister Pettigrew. "I would also like to highlight the efforts of the Honourable John McKay, M.P., and the Honourable Yves Morin, Senator, who have brought the issue to the forefront of both the House of Commons and the Senate. I am confident in saying that Bill C-260 will work in concert with the Government of Canada's efforts to protect the health of Canadians."

Statistics for the years 1995 to 1999 indicate that at least 14,030 fires were started by smokers' materials. These fires killed 356 people, injured 1,615, and cost more than $200 million in property damage. The victims of such fires are often among society's most vulnerable, such as children, the elderly, and the poor - or the firefighters who are trying to save them.

For more details on proposed regulations for reduced ignition propensity cigarettes, please see www.gosmokefree.ca