HEALTH MINISTER SUPPORTS NATIONAL NON-SMOKING WEEK

Saskatchewan's Minister of Health would like to congratulate all Saskatchewan residents who have quit smoking and encourages those who have not, to try to kick the habit during National Non-Smoking Week, which is January 18-24.

"National Non-Smoking Week is one of the longest running events in Canadian public education efforts," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "Tobacco use is the most significant cause of preventable disease, disability and premature death in Canada and in Saskatchewan. We are not only committed to working with our partners to reduce smoking rates, but we are also looking forward to engaging stakeholders in the development of future tobacco initiatives, focusing on activities that will reduce youth tobacco consumption in Saskatchewan."

McMorris has directed the Ministry of Health to engage stakeholders in the development of a comprehensive approach to tobacco control in Saskatchewan. This will enable the Ministry to be in a position to identify strategies for the fiscal year 2009/2010. When developing the implementation plan for these new strategies, key initiatives will need to be prioritized. Stakeholder groups will be asked to assist in prioritizing actions to meet tobacco prevention, cessation, protection and denormalization goals that are consistent with the National Tobacco Control Strategy.

Saskatchewan has several initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use including:

• the recent smoking ban, which takes effect May 31, 2009, in all enclosed places of employment, including buildings, vehicles, other enclosed structures and underground mines;
• requiring that enclosed public places be smoke-free;
• prohibiting the furnishing of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18;
• specific fines and suspensions for retailers and employees who sell tobacco products to persons under 18 and for individuals and proprietors who smoke or allow smoking in enclosed public places; and
• requirements that ban the display and promotion of tobacco products in places where youth have access and tobacco is sold.

The Ministry of Health has developed youth-oriented tobacco use prevention programs (Saskatchewan View and Vote and the Graduate Tobacco Free initiatives) to empower our young people to make the healthy choice to not use tobacco.

The Ministry of Health works with Health Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, Saskatchewan Division; and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan to establish and promote the Smokers' Help-Line (1-877-513-5333). The Help-Line is currently funded by the Ministry of Health and offers cessation advice to callers.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca