Today marks the beginning of National Non-Smoking Week begins, a time to raise awareness about the heath risks of smoking and the importance of supporting those on their journey to a smoke-free life. Tobacco use continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of premature death in Canada, claiming approximately 46,000 lives a year. We remain steadfast in our objective of less than 5% tobacco use among Canadians by 2035.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Everyone, no matter their age or situation, can benefit from quitting smoking. The health benefits can be felt as early as twenty minutes after your last cigarette and those benefits can continue to be felt for years after. Whether you try something again, try something new, or try a combination of things, there is no wrong way to quit. Support is available that can help increase your success in quitting smoking:
- Through the Tools for a Smoke-Free Life campaign, individuals can access resources designed to help them quit.
- Canadians can also reach the national quitline at 1-866-366-3667 or visit Gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit, where trained specialists provide advice, support, and referrals to local programs.
Our government has committed $66 million annually since 2018, to help Canadians who smoke to quit or reduce their use, and to protect youth and people who do not use tobacco from the dangers of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
Canada became the first in the world to require health warnings directly on individual cigarettes. This action made health warning messages virtually unavoidable, and together with updated graphic images displayed on the package, provide a real and startling reminder of the health consequences of smoking.
Canadians shouldn't have to pay for the damages caused by tobacco companies. Our cost recovery framework will make sure that these companies, rather than taxpayers, pay to fund our public health efforts.
We are committed to work with public health partners and all orders of government to help Canadians quit using tobacco and nicotine and to protect the health of young people and non-smokers.
Quitting smoking is possible, no matter how many times you have tried before. If you're struggling and need help managing your addiction, including mental health support, there are resources available to assist you. Talk to a doctor and reach out to family and friends for support, or visit canada.ca/mental-health for immediate, free and confidential mental health and substance use help.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
