The Government of Canada Announces Project that Supports Smoking Cessation in First Nation Communities

News Release
2010-89
May 31, 2010
For immediate release

NORTH BATTLEFORD - Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethe - Missinippi - Churchill River, today announced, on behalf of Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, just over $165,000 in funding to Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services Inc. to reduce smoking rates in First Nations and increase the knowledge about the dangers of tobacco use and second-hand smoke. Since August 2009, Health Canada has invested over $6.3 million in new funding to support a variety of tobacco initiatives and activities across Canada. This is in addition to our support of other on-going projects aimed at reducing tobacco use among Canadians.

"The Government of Canada remains committed to protecting all Canadians from the proven health hazards associated with tobacco use," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Today's funding is a step towards ensuring Canadians receive the help they need to quit smoking."

The Government of Canada is concerned about the high rates of smoking in Aboriginal communities, and is committed to working with First Nations and Inuit partners to take steps that reduce smoking and increase smoke-free environments. Funding from today's announcement will assist in the development of a First Nations culturally-relevant smoking cessation program, and in the recruitment and training of community members to deliver the cessation program. This support will also provide for the updating and implementing of the smoke-free environment policy in Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services Inc. facilities.

"I am pleased to be part of this announcement," said Rob Clarke. "This project incorporates aspects of cessation, prevention and protection, which make for a well-rounded approach to reducing smoking rates."

Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services promotes, supports, and encourages the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of people living in the seven Battlefords Tribal Council communities.

"We are pleased that Health Canada is providing resources for a tobacco cessation program to be implemented in our First Nations communities," says Janice W. Kennedy, Executive Director of Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services Inc. "Statistics show that the smoking rate for our population is far greater than the rest of Canada. With resources and culturally-relevant programs, we can find effective strategies to reduce tobacco use."

World No Tobacco Day (May 31) is a World Health Organization initiative that draws global attention to the prevalence of tobacco use and to its negative health effects. This year's theme, "Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women," aims to create awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco marketing aimed at women and girls.

In addition to other target populations, the Government of Canada continues to reach out to pregnant women about the dangers of tobacco use and second-hand smoke. When a pregnant woman smokes, the fetus gets less oxygen and nutrients. Studies show that regular exposure to second-hand smoke may harm both the mother and the baby. It is encouraging that fewer Canadian women smoke when pregnant, but those who do smoke place themselves and their babies at increased risk.

Tobacco use is the single biggest cause of preventable disease, disability and premature death in Canada. It has negative effects on nearly every organ of the body. Every year, at least 37,000 Canadians die from the effects of smoking, while many others are diagnosed with related illnesses such as heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. For more information on Health Canada's tobacco control efforts, please visit: www.gosmokefree.gc.ca.

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Media Enquiries:
Josee Bellemare
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
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