SASKATCHEWAN SCHOOLS CHOOSE TO GRADUATE TOBACCO-FREE

More Saskatchewan students are graduating tobacco-free in 2007.

The Saskatchewan Health Tobacco-Free Grad Challenge went to Saskatchewan schools last fall.  Twenty schools took up the challenge with 213 students graduating grade 12 tobacco-free.

“Non-smoking youth are more likely to become non-smoking adults, improving their health and the health of those around them,” Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said.  “Saskatchewan youth are making a commitment to themselves and I congratulate each of them for choosing a healthy lifestyle.”

The challenge began with a single school choosing to graduate tobacco-free in 2005.  In 2006, the Minister of Healthy Living Services invited all graduating classes to build on this success and 18 schools representing 178 students took part.

This year’s participating schools will receive a letter of congratulations from Minister Addley with participating students receiving a certificate and gym bag.

Smoking is the leading cause of disease and premature death in Canada.  The Tobacco-Free Grad Challenge is one of the initiatives in the government’s ongoing campaign to denormalize and reduce tobacco use in Saskatchewan, particularly among young people.  This campaign has included smoke-free public places, banning the display of tobacco products and promotion in retail establishments, and View and Vote.  With View and Vote 2006, Saskatchewan students grades six to 12 watched and discussed a number of anti-tobacco ads, voting for the one that would most likely prevent them from using tobacco at all or if they are already using it, would inspire them to quit.

Invitations to join the 2008 Tobacco-Free Grad Challenge will be sent to Saskatchewan schools this fall.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca