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House of Commons
HANSARD
February 4, 2014
Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Health had no answer about Conservative staffers who now work for the tobacco industry.
In addition to staffers like Sparrow and Beardsley, we have Aaron Wudrick , former Conservative campaign manager, and Duncain Rayner , former director of operations, lobbying for Imperial Tobacco.
Meanwhile, Perrin Beatty , a former Conservative health minister, lobbied against increased warnings on cigarette packages.
How many times has the Minister of Health met with these people?
Hon. Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I do not have a lot to say about tobacco lobbyists because I do not really care for them. I mentioned this to the member yesterday in fact, that if she does have a policy question or policy suggestion on any way in which we can further our world-standing record, our anti-tobacco and anti-smoking record, I am open to that. However, our government is incredibly proud of the fact that smoking is now at an all-time low and we will continue to close any regulatory gaps we see to ensure we shut down what is a very impactful lifestyle on the health care system.