Dr. Jack Armstrong, the CMA president, called the blueprint a "good first step in addressing the legislative gap surrounding tobacco." He said the CMA supports the ban and the introduction of tough regulations governing product displays in stores that sell tobacco products. "We now look forward to the prompt introduction of comprehensive tobacco legislation -- including measures to regulate the manufacture of tobacco products."
The tobacco industry immediately responded by saying it would abandon its self-imposed and voluntary moratorium on advertising, which it had observed since a September Supreme Court ruling that struck down sections of the Tobacco Products Control Act regulating advertising. Up to that point the industry had not invoked its right to resume advertising. Arts and sporting groups also expressed concern about restrictions on lucrative tobacco industry sponsorship.