SASKATCHEWAN STUDENTS CHOOSE ANTI-TOBACCO AD

The Minister of Healthy Living Services has launched a weeklong anti-tobacco television campaign based on the votes of thousands of Saskatchewan students.

In October, schools throughout the province were invited to participate in View and Vote.  Students grades six to 12 watched and discussed a number of Canadian, American and international anti-tobacco ads demonstrating the impacts of tobacco use. 

Students from 284 schools voted for the ad that would most likely prevent them from trying tobacco products or, if they are smoking, inspire them to quit.  It is the advertisement they chose that features in the campaign.

More than 16,000 students participated. 

“Non-smoking students are more likely to become non-smoking adults,” Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley said.  “We hope that these students choose to stay tobacco-free as part of building a healthy, productive future here in Saskatchewan.”

The winning ad, “What If Girl”, graphically depicts the toll tobacco takes on smokers and will air on Saskatchewan television stations for a week beginning tomorrow.

View and Vote is a new initiative in the Government’s ongoing campaign to de-normalize and reduce tobacco use in Saskatchewan.  This campaign has included smoke-free public places, banning the display of tobacco products and promotion in retail establishments, the grade 12 challenge to graduate tobacco-free and most recently, the passing of the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act which enables the province to sue the tobacco industry to recover the health care costs of tobacco-related illness and disease.

Additional information about tobacco reduction and quitting smoking can be found at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

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