CANCER SOCIETY ADS URGE CANADIANS TO KICK BUTTS
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Cancer Society is launching a public service announcement campaign this week to persuade Canadians to urge their members of parliament to pass the new Tobacco Act. A 30-second TV PSA and a print PSA have been distributed to major TV outlets and print publications across the country. The spots feature quotes from tobacco companies and their executives. One states, "Second-hand smoke is less dangerous than eating cookies." The statement is attributed to a Philip Morris Company ad. Another says, "Cigarettes are no more addictive than eating twinkies." The quote is from a chief of one of the largest tobacco companies. The tag line on the ads is "They don't just use manure for growing tobacco." Kerstin Ring, the Cancer Society's communications manager, told Adnews the society was hoping for a lot of PSA space in the run-up to the reconvening of parliament in February. Once back in session, members will begin debate on Bill C-71, The Tobacco Act. The act slaps a variety of new restrictions on tobacco company advertising. Toronto-based Holmes Donin Alloul created the PSAs.