To the editor,
I was amazed to see a full-page ad for duMaurier cigarettes in the
recent edition of The Coast on March 12.
There is a big, bold image of duMaurier’s product sitting in a
prominent place in a publication geared to a wide audience, including
teens. Surely this is in contravention of Canada’s laws against tobacco
advertising. The idea that duMaurier is promoting a difference in their
product with that tiny picture of their “finer-cut tobacco” is
risible.
Even if the laws are being skirted, rather than flouted, how is it
morally justifiable for your paper to carry these ads?
Very suspect dealing, suggesting a very suspect publication. You’ve
certainly dropped a few notches in my estimation.
I expect better from Canada’s media.
—Geoffrey Allen, Halifax
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2009.