May 28, 2009 – By 2011, Canada aims to reduce the country’s smoking rate from 19% to 12%. This involves the conversion of 1.5 million tobacco addicts to ex-smokers.
This is a colossal task, but the goal would be achievable, according to the Quebec Lung Association1 which thus marks World No Tobacco Day, which takes place every May 31, since 1987.
“The decision to quit smoking is probably one of the most difficult for an individual to make, but it is also one of the most profitable,” says Dr.r Gaston Ostiguy, pulmonologist at the Montreal Chest Institute.
In Quebec, it is estimated that 22% of the population smokes among those aged 15 and over – the highest rate in the country where the overall average is 19%. In comparison, it is 18% in Ontario and 14% in British Columbia.
Against “smoke in the car”
In this regard, the organization applauded the intention of the Quebec Minister of Health and Social Services, Yves Bolduc, to discuss with his colleagues from the Council of Ministers the possibility of banning smoking in a road vehicle when children are there.
“Our association has been working on this file for two years,” argues the organization, which notably circulates an electronic petition in this regard to put pressure on the Quebec state.
However, criticism has been raised against this possible measure, judging that it would constitute an abuse in terms of rights and freedoms.
In addition, on the federal scene, the Canadian Cancer Society2 fully supports Bill C-32 to ban the aromas of little cigars (cigarillos), which have become popular with young Canadians. The bill also seeks to eliminate an exemption that allows advertising of tobacco products in newspapers and magazines.
The killer tobacco
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 37,000 people across the country will die from smoking-related causes in 2009. Of these, 1,000 will die from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of lung cancer: it is responsible for 85% of new cases in Canada each year.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. To visit the website of the Quebec Lung Association: www.pq.poumon.ca [consulté le 28 mai 2009].
2. To visit the Canadian Cancer Society website: www.cancer.ca [consulté le 28 mai 2009].
