BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION


The "Blueprint for Action" developed by Tobacco Farmers in Crisis (TFIC) is a win-win proposal for
Canadian governments, Canadians and Canadian tobacco farmers and one that re-establishes a
level playing field for cigarette manufacturers.  It details a comprehensive, fair, orderly and
accountable tobacco production exit strategy focused on a supply-side approach to tobacco control.

The proposed exit strategy responsibly mirrors the decline in tobacco production in Canada with the
actual decline in tobacco consumption, supporting the work undertaken over the last decade by
Health Canada, the Canadian health community and smoking cessation groups. This approach also
serves to strengthen Canada’s leadership role in the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control treaty. One of the most highly-embraced treaties in the history of the
United Nations, it reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standards of health.  It addresses
both demand reduction strategies as well as supply issues related to addictive substances and calls
for economically viable alternative activities for tobacco workers and growers.  Canada was one of
the first countries to ratify the treaty – in November, 2004.

Finally, TFIC’s Blueprint recommends ways an exit strategy can be funded with no cost to Canadian
taxpayers.

Blueprint for Action