I agree that I have an ethical obligation as a health care professional. My remarks were actually that I have a professional and a legal responsibility. The Health Protection Act in Nova Scotia makes me accountable for taking action to protect the health of Nova Scotians. My professional training makes me, like any health professional, adhere to taking appropriate action. That's why part of my role is to then work on issues that are going to be effective in protecting the health of Nova Scotians. It's in the face of that responsibility that I raise my concerns about the interests of the tobacco industry being placed ahead of the health of Canadians and the needs of provinces and territories to have action taken that will help them control health costs so we can create a sustainable health care system.
On December 9th, 2010. See this statement in context.