By Les Hagen
Editor, the Gauntlet,
At a recent meeting attended by two senior students union officials, it was revealed that the SU sells about $400,000 worth of cigarettes annually. Of this total, the SU was reported to make at least $130,000 in revenue from cigarette sales and product placement, representing about one-third of total sales.
Two-thirds of the price of cigarettes is comprised of federal and provincial taxes. When added to the one-third of total sales earned by the SU, there would appear to be no money left over for the tobacco companies.
In other words, based on the information provided, it appears that the tobacco companies may be giving away cigarettes to U of C students.
Why would the money-loving tobacco companies be willing to forgo this lucrative revenue you ask? Perhaps to pick up some lifetime customers who become addicted to their products while completing their post-secondary education.
It is disturbing to know that the SU is a willing accomplice in this predatory marketing practice.
Given that one-half of smokers are killed by tobacco use, is the SU really working in their members’ best interest by helping the tobacco industry push their deadly and addictive products?
You be the judge.