Mr. Speaker, bye bye Imperial Tobacco. That was my reaction when I read that the tobacco company was withdrawing its sponsorship from the major events it used to support, the Formula One Grand Prix and the International Tennis Championships. I call on Imperial Tobacco to take the money it now puts into sponsorship and make it available to the public for improved health services and a cleaner environment in front of Canada's public buildings.
I also congratulate our Prime Minister, who said: “For us, the health question is fundamental. We have decided to loosen the law in certain areas, but we have no intention of abolishing the law.”
Since these tobacco companies have not done too badly to date, even going so far as to deny repeatedly that tobacco was a health hazard until major studies forced them to sing a different tune, I am not sorry to see the last of Imperial Tobacco. Let us get to work to help the organizers of major cultural and sports events find alternative funding that will put them on a more solid footing in Quebec.
I think it is time we said bye bye to smoking and hello to good health.