When The Smoke Clears We’ll Have A Healthier BC

Canadian Cancer Society
British Columbia and Yukon

For Immediate Release

VANCOUVER – August 13, 2009 While BC retains the lowest smoking rate (15%) and lowest daily smoking rate (10%) in the country (and the lowest ever recorded by a province), the rate has been relatively stable over the last five years.“Steady is just not good enough, when young people continue to take up a lethal habit and passive smoke threatens the health of our communities, commented Barbara Kaminsky, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cancer Society BC & Yukon Division.

Findings released today by Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) highlight a national trend whereby it took three years for smoking across Canada to fall 1%.

The BC current smoking total for years 2004 through 2008 has followed a similar pattern with only a 1% change between successive years.

“Despite our significant efforts over many years, the availability and promotion of tobacco products limits progress,” she said. “The federal and provincial governments are not doing enough in the area of taxation, legislation and cessation program assistance.”

The Society recommends that the sale of tobacco products be prohibited in all pharmacies; more subsidies be available for nicotine replacement therapies and counseling among other action.

The Canadian Cancer Society is calling for a ban on the sale of flavoured cigarettes and cigarillos to young adults, a sub group that is disproportionately high.

Tobacco companies continue to advertise and use point of sale materials because restrictions are not comprehensive. The availability of cigarettes in some locations, such as pharmacies and universities, restaurants and bars, hinders prevention strategies.

View full press release When The Smoke Clears We’ll Have A Healthier BC.