Short report. How provincial and territorial legislators view tobacco and tobacco control: findings from a Canadian study.

We report on legislators' attitudes and experiences regarding tobacco and tobacco control using findings from a 1996/97 telephone survey of provincial and territorial legislators in Canada. Across all jurisdictions, legislators showed support for a number of tobacco control policies and for a major government role in implementing programs and policies to discourage youth from smoking. Further, substantial numbers of legislators indicated they did not have enough tobacco-related contact with medical and non-profit health organizations. These findings can guide the activities of health agencies, researchers and advocates in support of effective strategies to reduce the public health impact of tobacco use in Canada.