As of February 9, 2023, the specific tax on tobacco products will increase by $8 per carton of 200 cigarettes
MONTREAL, QC –
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) congratulates the Government of Quebec, Finance Minister, Éric Girard, and Health Minister, Christian Dubé, for announcing an increase in the specific tax on tobacco products. Effective February 9, 2023, the tax will increase by $8 per carton of 200 cigarettes.
The specific tax on tobacco products has not been increased since June 2014 in Quebec. “Increasing the specific tax on tobacco products is the best lever available to the government to reduce the number of smokers in Quebec,” says David Raynaud, Manager of Advocacy at the CCS. We congratulate the government on this announcement, which is a step in the right direction, although there is still work to be done to reach the national average.”
It should be noted that Quebec remains the province that taxes tobacco products the least nationwide. Nonetheless, the CCS welcomes this increase as it shows that the government takes tobacco control seriously. This 10% retail price increase should lead to a 4% decrease in sales, which would result in fewer smokers in the province and thus help achieve the goal of a less than 10% smoking rate by 2025.
The CCS also congratulates the Government of Quebec for having announced its intention to join the federal tax program on vaping products back in November 2022. However, other measures to regulate these products, such as banning flavours and establishing a system of paid sales licences, would also be instrumental in protecting our youth from nicotine addiction.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever.
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For more information, please contact:
Jack-Malcolm Samedi
Manager, Communications
Canadian Cancer Society