'INSIDER' SLAMS SMOKING

Tobacco Firms Told To Leave Kids Alone

Canadian tobacco companies are just as guilty as their U.S. counterparts of
withholding vital information about the effects of cigarette smoking, says
the man popularly known as "The Insider."

Despite claims to the contrary, Canadian companies should admit they are in
the nicotine delivery business and fully disclose such information, Dr.
Jeffrey Wigand said yesterday during a visit to Toronto.

As well, society has to start seeing cigarette smoking as a pediatric
disease because more than 80 per cent of smokers start their habits as
children, he said.

Wigand, the prominent whistleblower and former vice-president and head of
research for the U.S. tobacco company Brown & Williamson, was the
inspiration for the Hollywood film The Insider. He will be in Ottawa today
to meet Health Minister Allan Rock.

Speaking at a news conference, Wigand spoke about Canadian involvement with
American tobacco companies.

"I can say Canadians participated directly in research meetings, marketing
meetings, had input and made decisions, funded research and were present at
these meetings," he said.

Garfield Mahood, the executive director of the Non-Smokers' Rights
Association, welcomed Wigand's comments and called for a royal commission
to offset U.S.-style lawsuits against Canadian companies.

Wigand said the Canadian government should use cigarette taxes for programs
that prevent kids from smoking, Wigand said.

"My life's work is now to prevent children from becoming addicts," said
Wigand who has started a charitable foundation called Smoke-Free Kids Inc.
"Part of what the industry does is to target children to replace those that
die and quit.

"Leave the kids out of the equation," he added.