Making history today, MPPs from both sides of the Legislature have joined forces to protect the health of Ontario’s young people.

France Gélinas, NDP MPP for Nickel Belt and Dave Levac, Liberal MPP for Brant, introduced a joint Private Members Bill to ban the sale of flavoured and individually-sold cigarillos.

Cigarillos can be sold individually without health warning labels, cost less than $2, and come in candy, fruit or ice cream flavours. The University of Waterloo Youth Smoking Survey reports that 35 per cent of grade 10-12 students have tried cigarillos.

The Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco and its members, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Ontario Lung Association, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Ontario Medical Association and the Non-Smokers Rights’ Association have called for a ban on flavoured and individually packaged cigarillos.

"We congratulate Ms. Gélinas and Mr. Levac for this important bipartisan initiative, which deserves the support of all members of the Legislature," said Michael Perley, Director of the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco. "The evidence shows that as many teens are trying these toxic products as are trying cigarettes: it's time to act."

“There is no doubt that cigarillos are marketed to youth. It is unfortunate to see more and more of my peers trying these flavoured products only to then see them addicted to cigarettes” said Vanessa Purdy, age 19, a youth with the Ontario Lung Association.

“I’m thrilled that MPPs from both sides of the Legislature have come together to stand up for the health of our children. Today, we are calling for immediate action on cigarillos and sending a clear message that new regulations must close the gaps in Ontario’s anti-smoking policy,” said Gélinas.

“As a long time anti-smoking advocate; especially keeping our kids from starting, this Bill will help stop manufacturers from finding ways to attract kids to this deadly habit. I'm honoured to be part of this history-making bipartisan effort,” said Levac.