Province Increases Tobacco Taxes

The Nova Scotia government is taking another step to tackle smoking by increasing tobacco taxes.

"We are committed to creating a healthier province by reducing our high rate of smoking, particularly among our youth," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion. "Increasing the price of tobacco is an important part of our overall strategy to help Nova Scotians live healthier, smoke-free lives."

Effective 12:01 a.m., Jan. 9, tobacco taxes will increase by $5 for a carton of cigarettes, or about 62 cents per package. Tax on tobacco sticks will also rise by $5 per carton and by $4.50 for 200 grams of fine cut tobacco.

Maureen Summers, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division, said tobacco tax increases are a very powerful tool in the fight against smoking, particularly when used as part of an ongoing, integrated strategy.

"We're very pleased to see another tobacco tax increase," said Ms. Summers. "Research shows that higher cigarette prices are a major factor in preventing teens from taking up smoking and they also have a direct impact on a person's decision to quit smoking."

Nova Scotia's tobacco strategy, introduced in October 2001, includes tobacco legislation and policy, help for people to quit smoking, community-based programs, programs in schools, media and public awareness plans, and evaluation and monitoring efforts.

Smoking rates are declining in Nova Scotia. The latest statistics from Health Canada's Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey show that the province's overall smoking rate has dropped by five per cent, from 30 per cent in 2000 to 25 per cent in 2001. The 2002 Nova Scotia Student Drug Use Survey shows that teen smoking is now at 23 per cent, down substantially from 36 per cent in 1998.

"We're just starting to see the benefits of our tobacco strategy and we're very pleased with the progress we've made in a short time, especially with youth smoking," said Mr. MacDonald. "We'll continue to make it a priority and we expect to see those rates come down even further."

Mr. MacDonald said government has made a strong start in the new year with the Smoke-Free Places Act and this tobacco tax increase. He said that his newly created Office of Health Promotion will increase efforts to reduce smoking. The minister will launch a new anti-smoking advertising and awareness campaign the week of Jan. 19, during national Non-Smoking Week.