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.
restricts how tobacco products can be displayed, stored and promoted at retail (Amendments)
limits the type and number of establishments that sell tobacco

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 designated smoking rooms in workplaces (Regulations)
prohibits smoking in motor vehicles while persons under 16 years of age are present

Public Education Materials
Smoke-free Environment Act, 2005 Frequently Asked Questions

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 Schools Poster

(1.7 MB)
Students’ Choice, Grade 9 Tobacco Prevention Resource

(6.1 MB)

Smoke-Free Sports and Recreation

Approximately 87 municipalities (representing 71% of the province’s population) have implemented 100% smoke-free outdoor sport and 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 Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT) is a coalition of organizations committed to the prevention and reduction of tobacco use. ACT’s partners represent a broad range of groups including professional associations, provincial and municipal governments, public health, education, recreation and sport, and non-profit organizations.

ACT has released its fourth comprehensive Tobacco Reduction Strategy , Every Action Counts! - 2013-2017.

Quitting Smoking

Smokers’ Helpline: “You Can Quit. It’s YOUR call”. 1-800-363-LUNG (5864).

The Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association’s Smokers’ Helpline provides a free, confidential and convenient telephone service where trained counsellors support individuals in developing a personalized plan to quit smoking. Other services include web-based counselling (www.smokershelp.net), group counselling, workplace programs, health professional fax referral program, self-help materials and information on how to help friends and family to quit. The SHL is funded by both the Department of Health and Community Services and Health Canada.

Cover for Guide and Helping Women Quit, A Guide for Non-Cessation Workers: A resource for individuals who work with women, but do not have a background in tobacco cessation. It provides background information on tobacco cessation and gives step-by-step instructions to helping women quit smoking. It outlines what questions to ask to identify a cessation approach for each woman and points you to resources to address her needs.

Department of Health and Community Services