Examination of changes in contraband tobacco use in Canada - ON-1096

Project type: Research
Desired discipline(s): Epidemiology / Public health and policy, Life Sciences, Computer science, Mathematical Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences & Humanities
Company: Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Inc.
Project Length: Flexible
Preferred start date: As soon as possible.
Language requirement: Flexible
Location(s): ON, Canada
No. of positions: 2
Desired education level: Master'sPhDPostdoctoral fellow
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

At RBH, we think big, start small, and celebrate a diversity of opinions to ensure the best ideas win. Our staff of almost 800 at eight different locations across the country fuel the innovation that has made RBH one of Canada’s leading nicotine product companies. With the support of our parent company, Philip Morris International, we’re paving the way for a smoke-free future for all Canadians.

Through innovative technology, RBH wants to help make Canada smoke-free, As we always say, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t quit, change.

Smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes are not meant for non-smokers, they are not risk-free, and they contain nicotine, which is addictive.
Change is possible. But we can’t do it alone. We need governments, consumers, and society all to play a role.

Describe the project.: 

In an effort to reduce smoking rates, federal and provincial governments have increased taxes on legal tobacco products. The result? Many smokers have sought cheaper tobacco on the illicit market instead. Canada’s contraband tobacco market makes up a large share of the market for cigarette sales.

Contraband tobacco products do not comply with the laws regulating the production and marketing of tobacco products in Canada, and therefore can be produced and sold at much lower prices than legal products. For example, contraband cigarettes do not have to comply with ignition propensity regulations that prevent dangerous fires.

The proceeds of contraband fund organized crime and make our streets less safe. At RBH, we believe contraband tobacco represents a key challenge for Canada

Currently, there is a lack of information on the amount of use in Canada of contraband tobacco, and even less about the use of other contraband nicotine products. This multidisciplinary project will be an exploration of the current landscape of the sale and prevalence of use of contraband tobacco and nicotine products in Canada with the goal of contributing to a better understanding of its social and economic impact.

Required expertise/skills: 

Data analysis, effective communication, understanding of political and economic context of tobacco control in Canada