Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on World No Tobacco Day

Today marks World No Tobacco Day, a day to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.

May 31, 2024 │Ottawa, ON │Health Canada

Today marks World No Tobacco Day, a day to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.

Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in Canada, killing approximately 46,000 Canadians each year. And, every year in Canada, exposure to second-hand smoke causes nearly 1000 deaths from lung cancer and heart disease in people who do not smoke. Second-hand smoke contains the same chemicals that are inhaled by the person smoking and is especially dangerous for babies and children.

This year's theme – Protecting children from tobacco industry interference – highlights the life saving importance of protecting young people from the harmful effects of tobacco and preventing dependency. We will continue to work alongside our partners in Canada and internationally to keep people safe and healthy. The federal government acknowledges that traditional tobacco has long been sacred and important to many First Nations and Métis People, whose uses differ from those of commercial tobacco. Today, we are raising awareness of the harms of commercial tobacco use and the benefits of quitting smoking.

Our government has strengthened the packaging and labelling requirements of tobacco products, becoming the first country in the world to require health warnings directly on individual cigarettes. This increases the reach of health warnings, especially among youth who often use individual cigarettes in social situations and may not see the health hazards information printed on the package.

Today, we announced $9,548,880 through the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund for three organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the University of Toronto and McMaster University. The funding will help create supportive social environments for tobacco prevention and cessation for at-risk populations.

The Government of Canada has resources available to help people quit smoking. The "I Quit for Me" guide equips youth with practical information to help them quit smoking or vaping. Additionally, the Tools for a Smoke-Free Life campaign encourages individuals who smoke to learn more about the array of tools and supports that can help them quit.

Quitting smoking is possible. Building a quit plan around your needs is the first step to success. Canadians can contact the pan-Canadian toll-free quitline where trained specialists can help them develop a plan, provide support, answer questions and provide referrals to programs and services in their community. The quitline can be reached at 1-866-366-3667 or online at Gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit. For more information and resources to help quit smoking, visit Canada.ca/quit-smoking.

The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.

Contacts

Christopher Aoun
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
613-291-4176

Yuval Daniel
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
819-360-6927

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca