Mr. Speaker, I should explain that the fines are imposed in the case of sales of cigarettes to young people. It is true we now have inspectors, but we had them before. Their mandate is to ensure that retailers do not sell to young people.
However, the objective is to make all retailers be very careful about whom they are selling cigarettes to. As you know, some young people do not look very mature. They look more like 10-year-olds when they come to the convenience store to buy cigarettes.
Store owners should realize that these kids should not be buying cigarettes, that they should not have them, and that it is against the law. Of course we want the inspectors to do their job, but we are convinced that most retailers are or will be aware of the harmful effects of smoking. We want to ensure that young people do not have easy access to cigarettes. That is very important. So that is the other reason for removing kiddie packs.
As you know, when these kids come home with a package of cigarettes, their parents notice. These kiddie packs are much easier to hide. When you see a kiddie pack, you know it is intended for kids. That is the whole purpose.
Selling cigarettes to kids is the opposite of what we want to do. We are sure we will get the co-operation of most retailers because this is essential to the well-being of Canadian society.