Tobacco Control

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and emphysema in Canada. More than 800 people in NL die each year from the effects of smoking. Exposure to second-hand smoke is also dangerous to health.

Through a comprehensive approach that includes public education, policy and legislation, cessation programs, taxation and community and school programs, the provincial government aims to:

prevent tobacco use
help people quit smoking, and
protect people from exposure to second hand smoke

The Department of Health and Community Services works in collaboration with other government departments, regional health authorities, school districts and other community partners to implement programs and policies aimed at preventing and reducing tobacco use.

Currently, 80% of people in our province (15 and older) and 85% per cent of youth (aged 15-19) are choosing to live smoke-free. Our efforts must continue in order to achieve our long-term goal of creating a smoke-free province.

Legislation

The Tobacco Control Act

aims to reduce the number of young people who begin to smoke by restricting youth access to tobacco products
makes it illegal for anyone, including retailers, family and friends, to give or sell tobacco products to youth under the age of 19.

The Provincial Government recently passed Bill 17, an Act to Amend the Tobacco Control Act. Effective January 1, 2010, these new amendments will change how tobacco is sold, promoted and displayed at retail.

The The Smoke-Free Environment Act 2005:

aims to protect the public from the dangers of second-hand smoke
promotes the creation of healthy public environments
prohibits smoking in all indoor public places including bars, decks and bingo halls
prohibits smoking in workplaces, but permits designated smoking rooms that follow proper ventilation requirements outlined in regulations.

Public Awareness Materials

Smoke-Free Regional Health Authorities (Inside, Outside, Everywhere)

All four Regional Health Authorities in our province have 100% smoke-free policies which includes all outdoor properties.

School Smoking Prevention

All five school districts prohibit smoking on all school properties and tobacco prevention resources have been developed to link to the curriculum.

Please support tobacco free schools by:

Supporting school’s efforts to promote a healthy learning environment
Complying with the policy by not using tobacco while on school grounds
Ensuring your children are aware of the policy and consequences
Support school officials in enforcing the policy
Encourage children and youth to say no to cigarettes, and don’t give them, or provide easy access to, tobacco products

Smoke-Free Sports and Recreation

Approximately 60 municipalities (representing 65% of the province’s population) have implemented 100% smoke-free outdoor sport/recreation area and events policy. These polices prohibit smoking on all outdoor sport facilities including playgrounds, soccer and softball fields.

Several provincial sport organizations have adopted a 100% smoke-free policy including soccer, softball and baseball.

Alliance for the Control of Tobacco

The Department of Health and Community Services is a partner with the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT), a coalition of organizations committed to the reduction of tobacco use. ACT’s partners represent a broad range of groups including public health, education, municipalities, recreation and sport, and community organizations.

ACT released its third comprehensive Tobacco Reduction Strategy , Every Action Counts! in 2008.

Quitting Smoking

To help smokers quit, the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association’s Smokers’ Helpline provides a free, confidential and convenient telephone service that includes counselling and support to quit smoking. Other services offered include web-based counselling, group counselling, workplace programs, health professional fax referral program, self-help materials and information on how to help friends and family to quit. Call today 1-800-363- LUNG.

Department of Health and Community Services