News Release

1996-39
May 30, 1996

Health Minister supports World No-Tobacco Day, highlights importance of encouraging youth not to smoke

Halifax - Health Minister David Dingwall stressed today the government's continuing commitment to work with health partners in Canada and abroad to develop effective tobacco control strategies, especially to protect young persons from inducements to use tobacco.

Expressing his support for World No-Tobacco Day (May 31), Minister Dingwall noted that "tobacco use is a world-wide epidemic. All countries, including Canada, have a responsibility to inform their citizens of the health risks associated with tobacco and to discourage its consumption."

Last week, at the annual Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Minister called on the WHO to focus the international community's collective action on a few key priorities, including tobacco control measures.

The WHO, which sponsors the annual World No-Tobacco Day, released a report on May 23 which shows that Canada's anti-smoking campaigns are having a positive impact. In surveys in 1972 and 1982, Canada had the world's highest cigarette consumption, on a per capita basis. By 1992, Canada had improved its standing to 13th place.

"Smoking is expected to kill 40,000 people in Canada this year, and we know that toll will rise in future years," the Minister said. "Reducing the use of tobacco, particularly by children and teenagers, is and will continue to be a key priority for this government."

As part of this effort, Health Canada is working with children and teenagers to obtain their views and advice on how to reduce youth smoking. This weekend, Health Canada is organizing a Youth Forum on Tobacco Issues which will bring together more than 30 teenagers from across the country.

The weekend Forum begins on May 31, World No-Tobacco Day, at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Teenagers involved in tobacco control projects through Health Canada's Community Action Initiatives Program (CAIP) will share ideas and insights on ways to reduce tobacco use among their peers. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their views with Minister Dingwall. CAIP is one of the programs funded by the Department's Tobacco Demand Reduction Strategy (TDRS).

"Research indicates that a majority of teens cite peer pressure as the most common reason why youth start to smoke," Mr. Dingwall said. "Teens speaking to other teens is therefore a powerful method of conveying anti-tobacco messages. I look forward to meeting young people involved in community initiatives and to hearing about and celebrating their successes."

Information:
Sylvie Patry
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988