Nova Scotia Smoking Rate Declines

Fewer Nova Scotians are smoking, according to the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey released by Health Canada today, Aug. 9. The percentage of smokers in Nova Scotia decreased to 22 per cent in 2003, down from 25 per cent in 2002.

"This is a great accomplishment and I'm proud of our tobacco control strategy, our staff at the Office of Health Promotion and, most important of all, the Nova Scotians who are making healthy choices -- the proof is in the numbers," said Premier John Hamm, who launched the strategy in the fall of 2001. "Nova Scotia is becoming a healthier place for all."

In 2000, the smoking rate stood at 30 per cent. Since the strategy's introduction three years ago, Nova Scotia has implemented significant 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.

"This survey demonstrates the benefits and success of the strategy here in Nova Scotia," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "It's a credit to the close relationship staff at the Office of Health Promotion have with groups across the province who continue to work tirelessly to help people quit smoking and to deter young people from even starting."

The minister added that the co-operative efforts of government and community organizations must continue to further reduce smoking among Nova Scotians.

"It's the combination of tackling smoking from many angles that makes a difference in our smoking rates," said Nancy Hoddinott, tobacco control manager with Health Promotion. "The numbers today are further encouragement that we are on the right track and we need to maintain our efforts to continue to see further declines in tobacco use."

Tobacco control is one of the six strategic priority areas at the Office of Health Promotion, along with healthy sexuality, physical activity, healthy eating, injury prevention and addiction prevention.