Mr. Speaker, a few days ago, I asked the health minister what he intended to do to help sports and cultural events, which are facing a transition period that is way too short. As we know, I was alluding to the harmful and undesirable effects of Bill C-71.
We supported the objectives pursued in the fight against tobacco consumption through this legislation. However, we think the means used to achieve these goals are not appropriate.
The three major producers concerned by the issue of sponsorship invest $31 million annually, which is nothing to sneeze at, and are facing an extremely sensitive situation. First, because the act is very coercive.
The European Union decided to grant a seven-year transition period. Perhaps tobacco producers must stop sponsoring events. I agree that the issue must be considered, but it is not true that sports and cultural events should disappear, and I am referring to major events that have a very significant impact for large cities such as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Under the current wording of the act, which we were urged to pass in the last Parliament, sponsorship by tobacco producers will be prohibited as of next October.
This is an extremely thoughtless move fraught with consequences, because you can understand that it is not possible for the Jazz Festival, the Grand Prix in Trois-Rivières and the open golf championship to find partners who will invest several million dollars in sponsorhsip on a notice as short as a few months.
Let me tell you that, compared to what was done elsewhere in terms of the planning period provided, other countries had concerns similar to the ones the Minister of Health has about tobacco use and the bad influence publicity may have on young people. Yesterday, in a press conference, and again today, we were reminded that the European Union, which is confronted with a rather similar problem, has given sponsors seven years to withdraw.
Why is this period so important? Because tobacco companies are the main sponsors. When $5 million, $6 million or $7 million are invested to support a sports or cultural event, this has a significant impact and taking away this support without first finding new sponsors is not an alternative, and I hope the government will reconsider.