Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

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World No Tobacco Day

May 31, 2011

World No Tobacco Day brings global attention to the prevalence and negative health effects of tobacco use. This World Health Organization (WHO) initiative takes place every year on May 31 and, this year, it highlights the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Canada is one of the founding members of this Convention, which came into force in 2005.

The Convention is the world's first international public health treaty, and its goal is to protect current and future generations from the negative consequences of tobacco use through international tobacco-control efforts. Recognized by the WHO as a world leader in tobacco control, we support international tobacco-control activities through sharing best practices.

In Canada, our Government takes action to help people stop smoking and to prevent youth from starting to smoke, through the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy. That's why, in 2009, our Government passed the Cracking Down on Tobacco Marketing Aimed at Youth Act. This legislation increases restrictions on tobacco advertising, and bans flavours and other additives in little cigars, cigarettes, and blunt wraps, which could appeal to youth.

The Government of Canada invests $15.8 million annually in tobacco projects across the country to help people stop smoking, prevent youth from starting to smoke, and protect Canadians from exposure to second-hand smoke. Canada has one of the lowest smoking rates in the world (18% as of 2009) thanks to the efforts of federal, provincial and territorial governments and their health partners.

But, we still have work to do. Tobacco use is still the most significant cause of preventable disease, disability, and premature death in Canada, and it is responsible for more than 37,000 deaths every year.

That's why our Government recently proposed tough new labelling requirements on cigarette and little-cigar packages, which would include larger health warnings and a pan-Canadian Quitline number. Canadians would be able to call this number and be seamlessly linked to provincial and territorial, cessation support services. More information on the proposed new health warning messages can be found here: Stronger health warning messages on cigarette and little cigar packages.

Reducing tobacco use will help improve the lives of thousands of Canadians. For more information on Quitlines, or to receive a free copy of the self-help guide to quitting smoking, On the Road to Quitting, or the guide for youth, Quit4life, please call 1 800 O-Canada.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada

For more information, please visit:

An Act to amend the Tobacco Act - Fact Sheet

More information on the FCTC can be found on the WHO FCTC website at http://www.who.int/fctc/en/index.html.

Tobacco Use Statistics

World Health Organization: Tobacco Free Initiative