When the Tobacco Industry Says "Hi!"

Question of the Month
June 2002

Recently some tobacco control groups have been contacted by various tobacco industry hires and asked to supply information. In Canada, Pierre Lemieux, an Associate Professor at the Universite du Quebec, has sought information on the source, amount and use of organizations' funding -- perhaps to help the toacco industry discredit these groups. And Danielle Ecoffey of CASIN has approached many tobacco control advocates worldwide, seeking to discuss their thoughts on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Both are funded by the tobacco industry.

Last year, several GPTC members were invited to attend British American Tobacco's "stakeholder dialogues." Over the years, others have been offered funding, invited to collaborate on "youth smoking prevention" programs, and asked to assist with research and program evaluations.

While the specific reasons for why the tobacco industry approaches individuals and groups vary -- monitor the opposition, kill effective programs, promote ineffective programs, buy legitimacy, bolster positive public opinion -- the ultimate reason is always the same: to ensure a profitable future.

Question: Have you or your organization ever been approached by the tobacco industry (or one of its subsidiaries, agents, consultants) for any reason, e.g. offer of funding, invitation to "dialogue," request to collaborate, etc? If so, describe the circumstances and how you handled the situation.

We are also interested in hearing about any campaigns that you have undertaken to persuade other groups to cut their ties to the tobacco industry or to adopt policies to prevent the situation from arising in the future. Any and all anecdotes related to this general topic are welcome!

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