Dear Editor,
There was an announcement recently that the allowable limit of tax-free tobacco that can be sold to a treaty person is one carton or can per week. It is my understandings the reason for this is because of the rising cost of health care and also a preventative tactic to discourage smoking.
I am a status Indian who does not smoke, or drink alcohol, but does use tobacco for ceremonial purposes. My issue is not so much about tobacco as it is with alcohol. As a social worker, I have seen the devastation that alcohol has visited upon my people. I have seen family breakdown, murder, suicide, child abandonment, and the list goes on.
Alcohol has caused out health care costs to rise significantly and there has not been any preventative measures undertaken to my knowledge. What has made tobacco important to health care and not alcohol?
This is a health issue that I would like to see addressed by all levels of government for all Canadians because alcohol does not discriminate against one segment of society. I understand that it is a billion dollar industry, but health care cost will surpass any amount that will be taken and used for revenue.
If you are going to take a stand against tobacco please also include all harmful substances that are affecting the health of all of your constituents.
In spirit and respect,
Marlene Bear
Prince Albert
