Think Globally, Ratify Locally.
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Physicians
for a Smoke-Free Canada urged Canada’s federal and provincial
governments to intensify their efforts to ratify the new global tobacco
treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (the FCTC).
“The continuing delays in Canada’s ratification of
the treaty are both inexplicable and inexcusable,” said Dr. Atul Kapur,
president of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada. “The delay is
inexplicable because there is no reason Canada should not immediately
make a full commitment to the treaty, especially as Canada is already
substantially in compliance with its provisions.”
“The delay is inexcusable, because it weakens
Canada’s leadership in the treaty process. When a treaty meeting is
held in three weeks time and important decisions on the administration
and implementation of the treaty are made, Canada’s voice will be
muted. Not having ratified the treaty, Canada will not have the moral
authority to champion the important decisions on funding and governance
that must now be taken.”
Canada’s failure to ratify the treaty has surprised
and disappointed public health advocates in Canada and abroad. “A year
ago, it was widely expected that Canada would be among the first to
ratify this treaty: today there many wondering if the federal
commitment to this treaty has not survived the transfer from one prime
minister’s administration to another.” said Dr. Kapur.
Contributing to the delay in ratification may be a
slowness in the part of provincial governments to signal their support.
All provinces and territories have been formally requested to concur
with ratification, but only the territories, Saskatchewan and British
Columbia are known to have done so.
“The FCTC would likely already be ratified if those
provinces which are quick to express their anger at lack of consultation
were as quick to express support when it is asked of them,” said Dr.
Kapur.
“I urge the governments of Alberta, Quebec and
Ontario and all other provinces that have not already done so to use the
occasion of World No Tobacco Day to affirm their support of this
important treaty.”
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For information: Cynthia Callard 613
233 4878
