Supporting Communities

Health Canada is committed to assisting First Nations and Inuit communities address the health risks associated with the misuse of tobacco and second-hand smoke. Health Canada does this by providing resources to communities so that they can develop tobacco control programs that address prevention, promotion, and harm reduction.

A holistic approach involving community members will ensure that everyone involved is working toward a common goal: preventing tobacco-related illnesses and diseases.

Health Canada's Tobacco Control Programme

The Government of Canada allocated $480 million over a five-year period for Health Canada's Tobacco Control Programme. $50 million was further allocated to address the high rates of tobacco use among First Nations and Inuit people. As a result, the First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy was developed.

For more information on Health Canada's Tobacco Control Programme, visit the GoSmokeFree Web site.

The Tobacco Control Strategy explains how the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch works with communities to reduce the harmful use of tobacco and improve the health status of First Nations and Inuit people, with a focus on children, youth and pregnant women.

Tools for Communities

In addition to the First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy information, communities will find practical tools that will help them adopt community-based solutions, aimed at reducing the harmful use of tobacco. Health Canada encourages communities to find ways to work together. The following tools will guide communities in their work toward a healthier lifestyle for First Nations and Inuit people.

• The Building Partnerships page is a summary of the Building and Sustaining Partnerships resource guide for communities that want to know how to bring people and organizations together to address tobacco misuse.
  
  
• In the How to Decrease Tobacco Use section, communities will find practical tips on how to quit smoking and other suggestions and practices that have proven to be effective. The information in this section is a summary of the Aboriginal Tobacco Control: Promising Strategies and Potential for Best Practices.
  
  
• The Working with Communities section presents a summary of the Building Best Practices with Community document. This tool is designed for governments and individuals who work with First Nations and Inuit communities on tobacco control. It highlights an approach that is based on the traditional values of respect for others.