Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, that is the prime reason, although I would be less than honest if I didn't say we're worried about erosion of tax dollars as well. But, primarily, it's related to health. As most of you know, I was at a Health Ministers' conference on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Everybody knows that when you increase the price of tobacco, consumption goes down. Ministers of Health were saying to the federal Minister of Health that by this action of the federal government, you are going to incur large health costs down the road for those people who start up smoking because it's cheaper.
John Pollard on Question 57-12(5): GNWT's Position On Cigarette Taxation
In the Legislative Assembly on February 11th, 1994. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 57-12(5): GNWT's Position On Cigarette Taxation
Question 57-12(5): GNWT's Position On Cigarette Taxation
Item 5: Oral Questions
February 10th, 1994
Page 94
John Pollard Hay River
See context to find out what was said next.