Canadian Cancer Society wants plain packaging for tobacco products

WATCH: The Cancer Society wants to take anti-smoking measures a step further and eliminate anything on tobacco packaging that might entice people to smoke. Mike Drolet explains.

TORONTO – The Canadian Cancer Society says plain packaging for tobacco products is a “logical next step” to curb tobacco marketing and save lives.

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In a report released Tuesday, the society urges Health Canada to follow Australia and other countries by implementing plain packaging.

Such packaging means tobacco company colours, logo and design elements on package are not allowed. Health warnings would still appear on plain packages.

The society says data from Australia shows smoking has fallen sharply since plain olive brown packaging was introduced in December 2012.

Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and France are all in the process of requiring plain packaging.

Rob Cunningham, a senior policy analyst at the society, says cigarette packages “should not be mini-billboards promoting tobacco use.”