Marketer that Matters

Its work in helping Nova Scotians butt out is earning the Office of Health Promotion national marketing recognition. The Office of Health Promotion is featured in the latest issue of Marketing Magazine, a national weekly publication dedicated to marketing, advertising and media.

Health Promotion has been named one of Ten Marketers that Mattered, based on its success in reducing smoking rates in Nova Scotia.

"It's wonderful to see Health Promotion honoured in this way," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We are very proud of the work that has been, and continues to be done on the tobacco control strategy."

The annual Ten Marketers that Mattered list includes individuals and companies who demonstrate innovation and have an impact on the way that products and ideas are marketed. One of the 10 selected will be chosen as Marketer of the Year, and profiled in an issue of Marketing Magazine in February.

"It's nice to be recognized as innovative, but what is most important, is moving forward with all of the other programs and services, to continue to bring smoking rates down," said Nancy Hoddinott, manager of the Tobacco Control Strategy. "More Nova Scotians are quitting each year and improving their future health. We are working with all of our partners to make sure this continues."

The smoking rate in Nova Scotia is 22 per cent, down from 30 per cent in 2000. The province's tobacco control strategy tackles smoking from many angles including tobacco tax increases, the Smoke-Free Places Act, help for people who want to quit, youth prevention initiatives and a media and public awareness campaign.

Tobacco control is one of Health Promotion's six priority areas, along with healthy sexuality, physical activity, healthy eating, injury prevention and addiction prevention.