OTTAWA – Health Minister Jane Philpott announced Tuesday the federal government will hold public consultations on its plan to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.
The proposal, which would prohibit brand colours, logos and graphics on tobacco packages, has been recommended by the World Health Organization.
Here are some quick facts on the international landscape:
— New Zealand released draft regulations on Tuesday for consultations, to accompany a bill already before its Parliament.
— Norway announced Tuesday it will introduce a bill in its Parliament in early June. The country has already conducted consultations.
— Australia implemented plain packaging in 2012.
— France and the United Kingdom adopted the measure in May 2016, while Ireland is awaiting a start date.
— Hungary, Slovenia, Sweden, Finland, Singapore, Belgium and South Africa are also considering the idea of plain packaging.
