MANTRA Applauds New Federal Regulations Making Tobacco Industry Pay for Public Health Costs
Winnipeg, MB—MANTRA welcomes the federal government’s announcement to implement new Tobacco Levy Regulations, which require a cost recovery fee on tobacco companies.
This long-overdue measure shifts financial responsibility from taxpayers to the industry that profits from a product that remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in Canada.
The new regulations will require the tobacco industry to fund a portion of Canada’s Tobacco Strategy, which costs $66 million per year.
“Making the tobacco industry pay for the damage caused by its products is a long-overdue and essential step in reducing the burden of tobacco use in Canada,” said Cynthia Carr, Executive Director, MANTRA. “For years, alongside our coalition partners, we have called on the government to implement a cost recovery fee. This policy ensures that tobacco companies, not Canadian taxpayers, contribute to the costs of enforcing regulations and helping people quit.”
The push for a cost recovery fee has been a longstanding priority for public health organizations across the country. The adoption of these final regulations follows years of advocacy, including calls from MANTRA and its coalition partners: the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke, Manitoba Lung Association, and Pharmacists Manitoba. This policy aligns Canada with other jurisdictions, such as the United States and France, which have implemented similar cost recovery measures.
Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in Canada, killing 46,000 Canadians annually—accounting for nearly 30% of all cancer deaths. In Manitoba, 14% of those 15 and older smoke. Health Canada aims to reduce tobacco use to less than 5% by 2035, but achieving this goal requires sustained funding for tobacco control, prevention, and cessation efforts.
MANTRA remains committed to supporting policies that protect public health and reduce tobacco use in Manitoba and across Canada. We will continue to advocate for evidence-based measures to ensure that the tobacco industry is held accountable for the harm its products cause.
Media Contact
Cynthia Carr
Executive Director
Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance
204.784.7030
info@mantrainc.ca