Breaking News: Antitabac Groups Warn of Health Risks in Carney Government’s Trade Bill
June 12, 2025
Ottawa, June 12, 2025 – Antitabac groups have raised serious concerns over the Carney government’s bill aimed at eliminating interprovincial trade barriers. Bill C-5, scheduled for a quick adoption in the House of Commons next week, seeks to facilitate trade and workforce mobility while accelerating major industrial projects. However, critics warn that the bill could compromise health standards unless modified to include new protective measures.
Bill C-5: Objectives and Concerns
Bill C-5 aims to eliminate interprovincial barriers to trade and mobility of the workforce, as well as accelerate the approval of major industrial projects such as mines, ports, and pipelines. The bill would allow provincial standards to replace federal standards to facilitate the sale of products manufactured in Canada throughout the country. However, Rob Cunningham, principal analyst of policies at the Canadian Cancer Society, has cautioned that the current wording could have unforeseen consequences.
“The current wording could have unforeseen consequences as provincial rules are sometimes more flexible,” Cunningham said. “There is a federal measure prohibiting asbestos in products, but the provinces authorize up to a certain percentage of asbestos in the products. This could mean that, despite the ban on asbestos in products for a few years, asbestos could reappear in products. It is not a good thing.”
Potential Impact on Tobacco Regulations
Cunningham also suggested that the law could give tobacco manufacturers the possibility of reintroducing menthol or flavored cigarettes, which should not happen. “We fear that the tobacco and vaping industry will not benefit from a less strict provincial standard to weaken more strict federal regulations that protect the health of Canadians across the country,” Manuel Arango, vice-president of policies and the defense of interests at the foundation of heart diseases and the AVC, underlined.
Government Response
The Minister of Transport and Interior Trade, Chrystia Freeland, has assured that the bill will not weaken health or environmental laws. “Regarding tobacco and related products, federal requirements concern the manufacture, sale, and promotion of tobacco. Provincial requirements relate to the use and retail sale of tobacco,” detailed Sarah Jackson, director of operations at Ms. Freeland’s office.
Health Groups’ Concerns
On Friday, several health groups mobilized to express their concerns about the bill’s wording. “If it is not well designed, there is a certain risk that health protection becomes a collateral damage from a thrust to increased economic activity,” Cynthia Callard, director of doctors for a smoke-free Canada, said. “Provincial and federal governments share competence in health and environmental matters. This is why it is important to provide legal protection against leveling at the bottom of protective regulation. I don’t see this in the bill,” she added.
Political Reactions
The Quebec Bloc, the New Democratic Party, and the Green Party have accused the government of trying to rush the bill through Parliament without sufficient study. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to eliminate federal policies that constitute an obstacle to interprovincial trade by Canada Day. “The bill would eliminate unnecessary costs and regulatory confusion, highlighting the capacity of Canadians to trade, connect, and work across the country,” Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, said during the debate in the House of Commons on Friday.
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