MINISTRY OF HEALTH ANNOUNCES NEW TOBACCO REDUCTION MEASURES FOR SASKATCHEWAN

The Ministry of Health is investing $1 million per year for three years for a comprehensive tobacco strategy for Saskatchewan with particular focus on protecting children and youth. As part of the government's strategy for a healthier province, new legislation has today been introduced to:

1. Prohibit smoking in a vehicle when a person under the age of 16 is present;
2. Prohibit tobacco use on school grounds and smoking in enclosed common spaces of multi-unit dwellings;
3. Prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies;
4. Prohibit the sale of flavoured little cigars;
5. Prohibit tobacco or tobacco-related products from being visible to the public from outside of a retail premise;
6. Prohibit the use of outdoor signs that advertise or promote tobacco or tobacco-related products; and
7. Add regulatory making authority to create smoke-free spaces around doorways, windows or air intakes of enclosed public places; create regulations for indoor signs that indicate the price of tobacco and tobacco-related products at a retail premises; and exempt prescribed signs and items from the restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion.

"Although Saskatchewan's tobacco use rates have stabilized over the last two to three years, our rates remain high," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We are committed to reducing tobacco use in this province. We know tobacco use is a significant cause of preventable death in Canada and we want our residents to have long, healthy and productive lives.

"I have asked the ministry to examine options for tobacco reduction initiatives that support the goals of prevention, cessation and protection. Discussions with stakeholders have been ongoing since the budget was announced to develop a co-ordinated provincial tobacco strategy for Saskatchewan."

Other priority actions for the strategy are being determined through discussions with key partners.

For more information visit www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083