Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity afforded me to congratulate the Government of Canada on its commitment to reducing tobacco consumption.
Smoking kills 45,000 people every year. This is more than accidents, suicides, homicides and alcoholism combined. It is one of our most pressing public health problems.
Over the next five years, over $480 million will be spent on the tobacco control strategy. Taxation of tobacco products will be reformed and additional funding given to law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the laws.
These actions combine with the objectives set by the Government of Canada. Action already undertaken and these new measures are important milestones in improving public health.