Provincial Government Highlights Steps Taken to Reduce Tobacco Consumption During World No Tobacco Day

Each year on May 31, the World Health Organization and its worldwide partners, including the Provincial Government, recognize World No Tobacco Day. This year’s theme is “ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.”

“Our government has taken significant steps to encourage people to live tobacco-free,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Through our legislation, we have reduced the number of places where people can smoke, lessened exposure to second-hand smoke, and reduced the promotion and advertising of tobacco products at retail outlets. We want everyone to live healthy smoke-free lives.”

The Provincial Government has taken tangible actions to reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke, including:

• Passing legislation that restricts how tobacco products can be displayed, stored and promoted at retail, as well as legislation that prohibits smoking in motor vehicles while persons under 16 years of age are present and designated smoking rooms in workplaces;
• Launching Students’ Choice a Grade 9 tobacco prevention resource for teachers;
• Providing annual grants to the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association’s Provincial Smokers’ Helpline; and,
• Additionally, all regional health authorities and school districts have implemented 100 per cent smoke-free policies. Many municipalities have also implemented this policy for outdoor recreation and sport areas.

According to the 2011 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey, the rate of smoking in this province among those aged 15 years and older is 19 per cent. Smoking rates among youth aged 20 to 24 have seen a significant decrease from 33 per cent in 2010 to 25 per cent in 2011. Smoking among youth aged 15 to 19 is at an all-time low of 11 per cent.

“The reduction in smoking rates can be attributed to the comprehensive approach taken by our government and our partners,” said Minister Sullivan. ”Through the combination of public education, legislation, taxation, school and community programs, and cessation programs we are seeing a difference and a healthier province as a result.”

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 31             11:50 a.m.