McGuinty has double standard on tobacco
Liberals scramble to determine ‘who is in charge’

Queen’s Park – Despite its war on tobacco farmers, the McGuinty government appears to be quietly embracing tobacco advertising along Provincial Highway 6, MPP Toby Barrett charged today in the Ontario Legislature.

“Recently there has been much talk about your government’s double-standard when it comes to the application of the rule of law,” Barrett told McGuinty. “With respect to tobacco advertising, is there such a double standard, as alleged, within our Province of Ontario?

“Your Minister of Health Promotion is quoted as saying, ‘No-one is above the law’, in this case referring to Sean Penn lighting up at the Toronto International Film Festival,” Barrett informed the Premier. “For the last few years, driving along provincial Highway 6 between Hagersville and Caledonia, one sees tobacco advertising and billboards, many for brand names!”

This issue should not come as a surprise to the Minister of Transportation. As early as September 5, Barrett’s office questioned the placement of these signs, in an email to the Minister’s office.

“I asked a simple question to the Premier, who then bounced it to the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, who then referenced the Minister of Health Promotion and blamed the federal government, before bouncing it to the Minister of Transportation,” Barrett said after Question Period. “When it comes to the Premier’s failed strategy on tobacco, the question remains – who is in charge?”

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446, or 1-800-903-8629