The Canadian Lung Association applauds a new program to help Northern Canadians, especially mothers, go smoke free

(Ottawa) The Canadian Lung Association applauds the federal government’s announcement today of new funding to encourage Northern Canadians, including pregnant mothers, to quit smoking.

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health, announced that Health Canada will provide Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami with $350,000 for “Born Smoke Free”, a project that will help expecting mothers and new mothers make healthier life choices.”This is wonderful news to receive on World No Tobacco Day,” says Heather Borquez, CEO and president of the Canadian Lung Association. “Quitting smoking is hard but it’s the best thing a parent can do for a child. Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to be premature, have low-birth-weights and experience more problems at birth than babies whose mothers are smoke-free.

“By helping mothers become smoke-free, we’re helping children, too. Breathing in second-hand smoke puts children at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), allergies, asthma, ear infections and other illnesses,” says Ms. Borquez.

This funding, part of a $6.3 million federal government investment to support a variety of tobacco initiatives across Canada, will help train community health workers to deliver the “Born Smoke Free” program in four Inuit regions; engage elders in mentoring pregnant women and new mothers; raise awareness about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke; and increase the number of smoke-free homes in Inuit communities.

About The Lung Association

Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues.

For more information, media representatives may contact:

Janis Hass
Director of Marketing and Communications
The Canadian Lung Association
613-569-6411, ext. 252