Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Argenteuil-Papineau said that by voting in favour of this bill at second reading, the official opposition agreed with its objectives, and more specifically with protecting the health of young people under 18.
On December 5, 1996, the hon. member for Lévis said: "Since we agree with most of the government's objectives regarding a reduction in health costs associated with tobacco use, we will support the bill". And so on and so forth.
The hon. member for Anjou-Rivière-des-Prairies said that on the other hand, it was obvious that sponsored cultural and sports events as such were safe pursuits that might even encourage young people who wanted to smoke to engage in sports activities.
It was the members opposite who told the Minister of Health in December to go ahead. Today, for purely electoral reasons, without any consideration for protecting the health of young Quebecers, they have changed their minds. Quebecers know that the health of young people is important.