The Canadian Harm Reduction Network

This is an open invitation to those involved/interested in the area of harm reduction to take part in a dialoge session on tobacco harm reduction. The session is being hosted by my company, Imperial Tobacco Canada and will take palce on the 19th of February, 2009 in Ottawa.

In 2006 my company made a commitment to test consumer acceptability of less harmful tobacco products and to work with the government and other interested parties to introduce the concept of harm reduction in a tobacco control strategy. Unfortunately, progress to date has been difficult as tobacco products, and the industry that manufactures them, carry a particular stigma that makes it hard for us to fulfill our commitments. None the less, we did introduce a new tobacco product called snus to Canada in 2007 and have been test-marketing it in two Canadian cities (Edmonton and Ottawa).

We are seeking to bring together a group of interested parties, and people with experience in the field of harm reduction, to exchange experiences, ideas and information that may help us move forward in our commitment to provide Canadians with less harmful tobacco options.

Should you be interested/available, we would be happy to pay for any travel expenses you might incur. I can be contacted at: (514) 932 6161 ext 2269

I hope you will consider joining us.