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Laurie in Debate

Bill 37: Tobacco Tax Amendment Act, 2007

Alberta Hansard – November 14, 2007

Bill 37: Tobacco Tax Amendment Act, 2007 Third Reading debate in the 26th Legislature of Alberta, 3rd Session by Ms. Laurie Blakeman, MLA Edmonton-Centre

Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased on behalf of members of my caucus to support Bill 37, Tobacco Tax Amendment Act, 2007.

I agree. We do see this as a companion bill to Bill 45. It’s something that this caucus has been urging the government to do for some time. At the same time we have also been urging the government to be very careful and, in fact, to regulate itself on investments in tobacco companies through the heritage savings trust fund. There have been some minor nods towards that, but I think that anything we can do to discourage smoking – as a smoker, you know, the cost didn’t really deter me. A lot of people said that when cigarettes hit a buck a pack, they were going to quit, and they’re still smoking at $ 10 a pack. But I think there is a psychological break point for just about everybody. Increasing taxes is a disincentive, and I hope it’s going to work.

I disagree, respectfully, with the minister that the funds shouldn’t be targeted, particularly around the cessation programs. I would like to see more of a direct tie between the revenue collected through this and smoking cessation programs or support for AADAC and the programming that they offer there.

Clearly, we are all aware of the money that’s involved here. Something around $ 880 million will be collected this year in tobacco taxes. I would prefer to see some direct connection with how much is going into smoking cessation because at this point it’s $ 9 million. It should be more, particularly if we talk about funding through Blue Cross and making that available to more people than the approximately 50 per cent that can get it now. This is definitely a cost to the health care system. I think I heard the minister say that somewhere in the range of $ 1.3 billion is a direct effect from smoking on our economy and our cost, so $ 890 million and more isn’t going to hurt if this bill passes.

Again, on behalf of my caucus I’m pleased to support this, and let’s hope this is another useful tool in that toolbox to move us towards a healthier population overall. That will put us in a better place to be able to resist some of the other health issues that are coming our way in the future. I’m willing to support this bill. Thank you.