The Canadian government announced Wednesday that it would become the first nation in the world to place warning labels on each cigarette. Implementation of the law begins Aug. 1, but will be done in phases.
“The requirement for a health warning directly on every cigarette is a world precedent-setting measure that will reach every person who smokes with every puff,” said Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst with the Canadian Cancer Society. “This innovative measure will be accompanied by enhanced warnings on the package exterior, and health messages on the package interior that are internationally unique. The new regulations deserve strong support.