Most party leaders support efforts to curb youth smoking

Wildrose vows no tax hikes

Almost all the major party leaders pledged Monday that they would take steps to curb youth tobacco use if elected, save one — Wildrose Party Leader Danielle Smith.

In a survey compiled by a coalition of provincial health organizations, party leaders were asked if they would support a number of measures aimed at limiting youth access to tobacco products, including a proposed ban of flavoured tobacco products.

Brian Mason, Alison Redford, Raj Sherman and Glenn Taylor reported that they were in favour of the ban.

The same four leaders said they would also support raising tobacco taxes and suing tobacco companies to recover health-care costs resulting from deceptive marketing practices.

Only Smith said she wouldn’t support the majority of the measures. The Wildrose Party has vowed not to raise taxes, including taxes on tobacco products.

But Smith said she would be willing to support redirecting existing revenue towards initiatives to curb youth smoking, adding that she was also open to supporting free votes on all private members bills targeting tobacco use among minors.

The coalition wouldn’t say whether or not they were disappointed that a front-runner in the provincial race wasn’t in favour of a majority of the measures.

“We would hope that any leader or politician or government member would take a leadership position on something that affects the health of Alberta kids,” said Angeline Webb of the Campaign for a SmokeFree Alberta.

“We applaud all the leaders that want to support these initiatives that reduce youth tobacco use.”

The survey was put together by a coalition of health organizations including the provincial chapters of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lung Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta.