A British Columbia woman is outraged over CARP's partnership with a major tobacco company, calling it a betrayal of the group's mission to support seniors' health.
Erica Johnson and Kimberly Ivany report for the CBC.
In short:
- Ellen Gould, a CARP member, discovered the partnership with Rothmans, Benson & Hedges when invited to a focus group on smoking alternatives.
- CARP’s association with the tobacco company, known for promoting vaping products, has sparked backlash for legitimizing potentially harmful products.
- CARP's president defends the partnership, but Gould and others believe it conflicts with the group's mission to protect seniors' health.
Key quote:
"CARP should be advocating for smoking and vaping cessation programs, rather than giving Rothmans a new lease on life by promoting vaping to seniors."
— Ellen Gould, public policy researcher
Why this matters:
This partnership raises concerns about the influence of Big Tobacco on public health advocacy. With significant health risks linked to vaping, the collaboration questions CARP's commitment to its members' well-being. Read more: People puffing e-cigs are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes and depression.
