|
February 15th, 2001 The Honourable
John Nilson Re: Operation ID Dear M. Nilson, We would like to thank you for having taken a strong and moral stand against the tobacco industry’s Operation ID program (re « Stores signs getting smaller », Regina Leader Post, Feb. 14th). We know that this is not an easy thing to do, particularly in light of the fact that the program’s purpose is precisely to act as a PR tool for the industry. Your decision will not only affect the health of the people of Saskatchewan, but it may also have a positive impact on all Canadians: It will serve as an example for other provincial governments as well as the federal government with respect to how they can deal with this dubious program. We also want to congratulate you on the new provincial Tobacco Control Act in its entirety. The ban on the display of cigarette packages at point of sale is precedent setting and sends a strong and long overdue message about the nature of this deadly product. Organizations like us will certainly point to Saskatchewan whenever we ask our own governments to do the same. We are very encouraged by your actions and wish you continued success in your fight against the most important cause of preventable death and disease in Canada. Yours truly, Heidi Rathjen
|