Mr. Speaker, I brought these ideas forward two years ago.
We support Bill C-24 as a first step. However, I take issue with the hon. member when he said the initiatives of the government have worked.
As we have mentioned before in the House, tobacco consumption among youth has increased dramatically since the tobacco tax rollback. Statistics from the ministry of health showed conclusively six months after the tobacco tax rollback that consumption by youth was increasing alarmingly. That proves the tobacco tax rollback has had a terrible effect on consumption by youth.
I will acknowledge that the hon. member was correct when he said that previous initiatives did work. In the 15 years before May of 1994 tobacco consumption had been progressively decreasing. However, as soon as the tobacco tax rollback took place consumption skyrocketed. They are directly related.
While I say Bill C-24 is a welcome initiative, why is the government pursuing little initiatives which are to have little effect? Why does it not pursue the big issues and the big initiatives which will have a big effect on the health of Canadians? As we stand here and pussy foot around the issue, every single day more youth are taking up smoking and more people are consuming of this lethal product.
Tomorrow if the government wishes, it could bring back those tobacco taxes. It would not find disagreement in the House. Also, it should put tobacco in the Food and Drugs Act. Then the government would have the legislative ability to do the things it ought to be doing.