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VIDEO: How many Canadians still smoke? More than you may think

In a world first, Health Canada is ushering in new rules that will force cigarette makers to label each and every butt with a blunt warning; Will they actually work?

In a world first, Health Canada is ushering in new rules that will force cigarette makers to label each and every butt with a blunt warning.

"Poison in every puff."

"Tobacco smoke harms children."

"Cigarettes cause impotence."

Will the labels work? Will they actually inspire people to give up cigarettes?

“They are going to,” said Rob Cunningham, a lawyer and senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society, during a recent appearance on Village Media’s Inside the Village podcast. “We are very positive in terms of this announcement. It’s received worldwide media attention and I think it really captures the imagination.”

Twelve per cent of Canadians still smoke — that’s 3.8 million Canadians — and cigarettes remain the leading cause of annual preventable deaths, with 46,000.

Cunningham is confident the new labels will help lower that number even further.

“If we go back to 1965, there were 50 per cent of Canadians who smoked, including 61 per cent of men,” he said.

You can watch the full episode HERE.

Hosted by Scott Sexsmith and Michael Friscolanti, the Editor-in-Chief of Village Media, Inside the Village is a news and current affairs podcast that provides a weekly window into some of the best local journalism from across our chain of Ontario newsrooms. Produced by Derek Turner, the program also explores bigger-picture issues that impact people across the province.

Every episode is available HERE. If you prefer the audio version, it is available wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

You can reach us at [email protected].

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