Strengthening A Smoke-Free Ontario

Ontario has taken new steps to stamp out illegal tobacco, help more people quit smoking and ensure young people don't get addicted.

Bill 186, Supporting Smoke-Free Ontario by Reducing Contraband Tobacco Act, 2011, has passed third reading in the Ontario legislature. The bill provides new measures to further protect young people from the dangers of cheap, illegal tobacco.

Stamping Out Illegal Tobacco

The Supporting Smoke-Free Ontario by Reducing Contraband Tobacco Act, 2011, amends the Tobacco Tax Act to provide new measures to reduce illegal tobacco.

The legislation also authorizes the Minister of Revenue to enter into arrangements or agreements relating to tobacco with First Nations and allows the government to share certain Tobacco Tax Act information with First Nations' elected councils.

To complement the Supporting Smoke-Free Ontario by Reducing Contraband Tobacco Act, 2011, the government is taking further steps to strengthen its commitment to keep cigarettes out of the hands of kids and help more smokers quit.

Preventing Youth Smoking

To help young people make healthy choices that don't involve tobacco, the government will:

• provide resources to increase prevention efforts focused on protecting youth
• engage youth to develop youth-led tobacco prevention initiatives
• conduct research to determine what most impacts decisions by youth to take up smoking and to quit

Helping People Quit Smoking

To help people quit smoking, the government will:

• provide supports to people ready to quit smoking by enhancing quit lines and online resources
• provide increased access to nicotine replacement therapies and education in primary care settings such as Family Health Teams
• work with pharmacists regarding their role in cessation support services
• work with trade associations, employers and unions to provide information and supports to employees who wish to quit smoking
• provide targeted supports for smokers with chronic diseases in hospital settings