National Non-Smoking Week in Canada
We are proud that in 2004 Canada ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This global treaty seeks to protect present and future generations around the world from the consequences of tobacco consumption.
In December, proposed regulations were tabled in the House of Commons to reduce the risk of fire from cigarettes - the leading cause of residential fire-related deaths and injuries in Canada.
Health Canada was also pleased to support First Nations and Inuit communities through its First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy (FNITCS), in developing and delivering comprehensive, culturally-sensitive and effective tobacco control programs. Over 100 projects this year are helping to create healthier, smoke-free communities.
At the provincial level, great progress was made in recent months. Manitoba, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have all banned smoking in all public places, and Newfoundland, Quebec and Ontario are also moving towards becoming smoke-free in the near future.
Though we've made great strides, we recognize that there is still much to be done. Tobacco remains the number one preventable cause of death in Canada. More than 45,000 people die prematurely each year from tobacco use, and at least 1,000 of them are non-smokers.
This year, Health Canada will continue to work towards a smoke-free future. Progress is being made on regulations to require a health-related message to be displayed on tobacco advertisements. And in February, Health Canada will host a National Youth and Young Adult Forum on Tobacco Control Issues, a key step in addressing tobacco use by younger Canadians. And of course, our successful advertising campaigns on quitting smoking and the dangers of second-hand smoke will soon return.
We expect continued success in the upcoming year as we work with our partners in the fight against tobacco.
For more information on Health Canada's Tobacco Control Programme, or for tools to help you quit smoking, please visit http://www.gosmokefree.ca.
This is a Press Release from Health Canada
Naþional pentru nefumatori Sãptãmâna în Canada - National Non-Smoking Week in Canada - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate