This year, the Provincial Government is once again recognizing Weedless Wednesday as a day when those who smoke are encouraged to stop for one day with the intention of kick-starting the process of quitting smoking. Weedless Wednesday is held annually as part of National Non-Smoking Week, which runs this year from January 21 to 27.

Since 1988, National Non-Smoking Week continues to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking; prevent people from starting; help people quit; promote the right of individuals to breathe air unpolluted by smoking; and to de-normalize tobacco products and tobacco use.

Recent amendments to the province’s Smoke-free Environment Act, 2005 and the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act aim to further protect the public, in particular children and youth, from the harms of tobacco products, including flavoured tobacco, hookah and the potential harms of electronic cigarettes. The Acts help prevent and reduce smoking; protect public and employee health; and protect children by reducing the visibility of smoking in our communities.

The Provincial Government also provides $210,000 annually to the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco to help reduce the negative health, economic and environmental effects of tobacco use on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and $220,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association’s Provincial Smokers’ Helpline (1-800-363-5864), which supports about 1200 individuals each year who connect with the helpline through phone, text, online or referral for help with quitting and staying smoke-free.

Quotes
“Our primary goal is improving the health and well-being of the people of this province, protecting children and youth from the proven health risks of tobacco and similar products, and preventing young people from starting to smoke. Our goal, outlined in the Provincial Government’s Way Forward vision, is to reduce smoking rates by four per cent by 2025. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable and premature death in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we will continue to provide protection against this harmful substance and support people to quit smoking.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“The Smokers’ Helpline is easily accessible – the contact information can be found on every cigarette and tobacco package. The phone number and website connect directly to the provincial helpline based in St. John’s. Research consistently highlights the effectiveness and the value of helpline services and those individuals who connect with us feel more prepared and confident as they move forward with overcoming the addiction.”
Mary Lynn Pender
Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association Smokers’ Helpline

– 30 –

Learn more

Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline – smokershelp.net/ 

Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco – actnl.com/ 

Legislative Amendments Aim to Prevent and Reduce Smoking – gov.nl.ca/releases/2016/swsd/0606n02.aspx

Tobacco Control – www.cssd.gov.nl.ca/healthyliving/tobaccocontrol.html

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL  and @SmokersHelpNL 

Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Mary Lynn Pender, Director 
Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association Smokers’ Helpline
709-722-7867
marylynn.pender@nf.lung.ca