NEWS RELEASE
October 26, 2006
Ontario Government Presents Halton Region Health Department With Heather Crowe Award For Reducing Tobacco Consumption
OAKVILLE – Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn today presented Halton Region Health Department with a Heather Crowe Award for its work in helping to reduce tobacco consumption.
“Our government is on the side of Ontario families who care about their health,” said Watson, speaking at the offices of Halton Region Health Department. “With the help of partners like Halton Region Health Department, we are making excellent progress toward meeting our goal of reducing tobacco consumption in Ontario by 20 per cent before the end of 2007.”
The award was presented to Halton Region Health Department for their role in helping the province dramatically reduce smoking rates in Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. Public health units have contributed to the success of Ontario’s Smoke-Free Strategy by providing community-based education, public awareness and enforcement of the new legislation.
Minister Watson also announced a 63 per cent increase in funding for the Department to as part of the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. Halton region is receiving $577,814 this year, an increase from the $354,000 received last year.
“I am pleased that the McGuinty Government is providing the Halton Region Health Department with additional funding to help implement the Smoke-Free Ontario Act,” said Flynn. “This funding will help with enforcement and the successful public education campaigns the department operates which encourage people in our region to lead more active and healthy lives.”
"I want to recognize Halton's staff for their commitment and professionalism in implementing tobacco use prevention programs. And, I wish to congratulate the Province on their leadership in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act; legislation that supports the work of our Health Department and ultimately, supports the health of our residents." said Joyce Savoline, Halton Regional Chairman.
The government’s Smoke-Free Ontario Act came into effect on May 31, 2006, banning smoking in all workplaces and enclosed public spaces. Smoking kills an average of 16,000 people in Ontario each year. Tobacco-related diseases cost the Ontario economy at least $1.7 billion for health care annually, result in more than $2.6 billion in productivity losses, and account for at least 500,000 hospital days each year.
Ontario’s tobacco consumption has fallen by 18.7 per cent or more than 2.6 billion cigarettes since 2003. During that time, the government has increased its investments in tobacco control six-fold to a total of $60 million, including a $10 million increase in 2006 over the previous year.
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For further information:
Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office
416-326-8497
Julie Rosenberg
Ministry of Health Promotion
416-326-4833
