The Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit is requesting the province to boost taxes on cigarettes. The health unit believes it will encourage people to quit smoking.
“Manitoba has the highest rate of taxation for tobacco in the country and it has the second lowest percent of the population that smokes-about 15% of their population smokes,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, the Medical Officer of Health. “Ontario has the second cheapest tobacco in the country and our smoking rates are somewhat higher at 18%.”
A carton of cigarettes in Ontario cost nearly $90 and in Manitoba it cost $125 for the same carton.
However, there are some concerns that if prices increase more people will likely turn to purchasing contraband cigarettes.
“If the price is right and the price is reduced people will access them,” said Dr. Howard Bloom who is the co-ordinator of child and youth care human services at Georgian College.
“Ultimately you can raise the price of cigarettes and smokers who want to smoke and are addicted will find other means and that takes them to a criminal element,” he said.
The health unit has not given a specific number to the province for the proposed tax increase, but would like to see a substantial increase.
The health unit is expecting a response from the province within a year.
