National Non-Smoking Week Kicks Off

 
 

January 18, 2010 11:00 AM

McGuinty Government And Partners Urge Ontarians To Quit Smoking

Tobacco use kills 36 people every day in Ontario. It is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario - and one of the most difficult addictions to break.

That is why Ontario is teaming up with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Ontario Lung Association, Canadian Cancer Society - Ontario Division, and Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to encourage Ontarians to become smoke-free at today's launch of National Non-Smoking Week 2010.

The province is promoting the National Non-Smoking Week theme of "Quitting is contagious, pass it on!" which is based on research that indicates it is easier for people to quit smoking when others in their social circle also kicked the habit.

Ontario's Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, one of the most comprehensive strategies in North America, has surpassed its goal of reducing tobacco consumption by 20 per cent by 2007, by:

  • Ensuring more than 99 per cent compliance for smoke-free bars, restaurants, and other enclosed workplaces,
  • Banning the display of tobacco products in convenience stores, and
  • Protecting children from second-hand smoke in motor vehicles.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • There are more than 1.9 million smokers in Ontario (aged 15+ years).
  • The number of students in grades 7 to 12 who say they have smoked in the past year is the lowest it has been since 1977.
  • Approximately 62 per cent of adult smokers intend to quit smoking within six months; thirty-two per cent intend to quit smoking within 30 days.

CONTACTS

  • Wendy Vincent
    Minister's Office
    416-326-8497
    wendy.vincent@nullontario.ca
  • Julie Rosenberg
    Communications
    416-326-4833
    julie.rosenberg@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport
ontario.ca/health-promotion


 

"This government has done more than any previous Ontario government to address the harm caused by tobacco use. We will continue to work with our partners to encourage young people not to smoke; protect people from second-hand smoke; and help smokers quit. I congratulate all those who have quit smoking and would ask them to encourage any family or friends who smoke to quit as well."

 – Margarett Best
Minister of Health Promotion

 
 
 
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