MONTREAL, - Imperial Tobacco Canada reaffirmed its position that, as a responsible tobacco company, it does not target minors through direct or indirect marketing.
"This position is fundamental to how we run our business," said Benjamin Kemball, president and CEO of Imperial Tobacco Canada. "It is stated in black and white in our business principles and is lived by every one of Imperial Tobacco Canada’s employees."
Imperial Tobacco Canada’s marketing practices are aimed at encouraging adult smokers to choose our brands over those of our competition. The Company complies with all Canadian regulations (as well as with British American Tobacco International Tobacco Products Marketing Standards which are a set of voluntary standards accepted by British American Tobacco group companies). Imperial Tobacco Canada does not produce or sell cigarillos or flavored cigarettes, except mentholated products.
"The bottom line is kids should not be smoking. Governments, retailers and tobacco industry need to work together to address this issue and implement practical solutions," said Mr. Kemball.
"However, all the goodwill in the world will not do any good if the illegal tobacco trade is left unchecked. Canadian children have easy access to cigarettes at pocket money prices. We can be sure that the criminals who traffic in illegal tobacco are not asking for proof of age," concluded Mr. Kemball.
A recent study conducted by the Arcus Group showed that 30 percent of the 11,267 cigarette butts collected from 105 sites in Quebec and Ontario were found to be "illegal".