Non-smoking week

In recognition of National Non-Smoking Week, the Government of Saskatchewan reaffirms its commitment to reduce tobacco use in the province, protect people from environmental tobacco smoke and assist those who want to quit using tobacco.

"National Non-Smoking Week provides an opportunity to recognize tobacco reduction efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Health and provincial tobacco reduction stakeholders," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We have introduced important legislation to reduce smoking and the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke, and we continue to support cessation. Protecting youth and educating them about the harms associated with tobacco also remains a priority."

Beginning January 1, the View and Vote program started rolling out in schools across the province. View and Vote is offered bi-annually by the Ministry of Health to encourage young people to think critically about tobacco use. It gives students in Grades 6-12 a chance to view some of the world's best tobacco prevention television advertising. The students then select the ad they believe is the most effective in making them think about quitting or keeping them from starting to use tobacco. This year's View and Vote was launched on January 1 and the ad with the most votes will be announced in spring 2012.

The Ministry of Health also continues to provide funding to the Canadian Cancer Society, Saskatchewan Division to deliver the Smokers' Help-Line (1-877-513-5333), which offers cessation advice to smokers. People looking for help to quit using tobacco can also visit the Partnership to Assist with the Cessation of Tobacco (PACT) website at http://www.makeapact.ca/.

For more information on tobacco reduction in Saskatchewan and supports and programs to help people quit smoking visit the Ministry of Health website at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/smoking-and-your-health.