For release: February 9, 2004

GOVERNMENT PUTS BRAKES ON TOBACCO SPECIALIST HIRING

TORONTO - Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters announced today that his ministry was putting the brakes on the filling of an old vacancy for a tobacco specialist. Instead, new job specifications will be developed to provide expertise for tobacco farmers as they make the transition to different crops, consistent with directions outlined in the government's campaign platform.

"This is part of our plan to help growers and communities move to a sustainable economic base, while at the same time following through on our commitment to reduce tobacco use," Peters said.

The announcement follows a commitment issued earlier today by Premier Dalton McGuinty to investigate the matter; the ad first appeared in the February 9th edition of the Toronto Star.

"This government is commited to the most aggressive anti-smoking program this province has ever seen," McGuinty said. "This move will help us achieve that goal."

Each year, smoking kills 12,000 Ontarians and costs the government $1.3 billion to treat tobacco-linked illnesses, according to the Ontario Medical Association.

Contact:

Mary Devorski
Minister Peters' Office
(416) 326-3077 or
(416) 606-8303 (mobile)

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