Tobacco Control Strategy Progress Report

Fewer Nova Scotians are smoking thanks to the province's tobacco control strategy.

A progress report on the effectiveness of the strategy was released today, Jan. 31, the last day of National Non-smoking Month, by the Office of Health Promotion.

"This progress report is evidence that the tobacco control strategy is working and is another stepping stone in achieving a healthier Nova Scotia," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion. "This is the kind of progress we want to see in each of our priority areas."

The report was prepared by an independent research consultant and summarizes progress on the first two and a half years of strategy implementation, from October 2001 to March 2004. The report noted that the number of Nova Scotians aged 15 and above who smoke dropped to 22 per cent in 2003, from 30 per cent in 2000. In addition, children's exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in the home has declined.

Since the launch of the strategy, several tobacco control initiatives have been successfully implemented. These include taxation measures, legislation and policy development, communications and public awareness campaigns, youth prevention activities, community-based initiatives, and treatment and cessation programs.

"The implementation of the strategy is the result of partnership between the Office of Health Promotion and many organizations throughout the province," said Nancy Hoddinott, manager of the tobacco control strategy. "I would like to thank all the individuals and groups who are a part of its continued success."

The report concludes that a long-term investment in the strategy will ensure further decline in tobacco use and tobacco-related illnesses.

The Office of Health Promotion focuses on six priority areas:
physical activity; healthy eating; tobacco control; injury prevention; addiction prevention; and healthy sexuality.

A copy of the tobacco control strategy progress report is located on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/tobaccoControl.html , under the reports and publications heading.