Smokers are going to see new labels on their cigarette packages next year, including a graphic photo of emaciated anti-smoking activist Barb Tarbox as she died of lung cancer.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq showed some of the photos Tuesday morning, along with Tarbox’s widower Pat, and daughter, Mackenzie.

Pat Tarbox pushed to have the photo of his late wife used on cigarette packaging in Canada.

The 16 new labels will cover 75 per cent of the front and back of cigarette and little-cigar packaging. The packages will also feature eight health information messages on the inside of the packs, including graphics.

Aglukkaq brought in the regulations last December, but it took several months for them to come into force.

Prior to the Dec. 30 announcement, opposition MPs and some provincial politicians complained Aglukkaq was dragging her feet on introducing the new labels.

Manufacturers have until March 21, 2012, to produce the packaging, and retailers have until June 19, 2012, to make sure all tobacco products on their shelves have the new labelling.

The regulations also formalize a voluntary agreement between cigarette makers and the Competition Bureau to ban the use of the words "light" and "mild" on packaging.