Op-ed

NOTE: The following is an op-ed piece by Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

Jan. 18 to 24 is National Non-Smoking Week. Across the country, governments, health advocates and the medical community are reflecting on tobacco use and the harm it brings to individuals, communities and our healthcare system.

As the new Health Protection and Promotion minister whose responsibilities include reducing smoking rates in the province, I am also thinking of where we've been, where we are and where we're going.

In 2000, Nova Scotia had the highest smoking rates in Canada. Nearly one-third of Nova Scotians 15 years of age and older were smoking. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that about one quarter of children aged 15 to 19 years were using tobacco. Nearly 1,700 Nova Scotians were dying every year as a result of smoking.

Nova Scotia was in the middle of a public health crisis.

That's why, in 2001, the provincial government introduced a tobacco control strategy. This strategy has resulted in the adoption of smoke-free legislation, increased tobacco taxes, the elimination of tobacco industry advertising, and more funding for district health authorities to provide support to tobacco users. All of this was done to reduce smoking rates in our province. And it is working.

Almost a decade later, Nova Scotia no longer has the highest smoking rates. Overall, tobacco use has decreased from 30 to 20 per cent, bringing us in line with the national average. Smoking rates among children and young adults are at all-time historic lows. In fact, Nova Scotia has the second-lowest rate in the country for 15 to 19 year olds.

While we've helped many Nova Scotians stop, or not start, smoking, tobacco use continues to be a serious public health threat in Nova Scotia. That said, I recognize that quitting is no easy task. My congratulations to all Nova Scotians who have had success.

For those of you thinking about quitting smoking, I would encourage you to take advantage of the support available through Addiction Services in your area. You can also call 1-877-513-5333 or visit www.smokershelpline.ca .

Working together -- individual Nova Scotians, government, district health authorities and the broader health community -- we have made progress. But there's no denying that more must be done.

As minister, I look forward to being part of a collective, ongoing effort to further reduce smoking rates in Nova Scotia. Our success means our children, our communities and our healthcare system will be healthier and safer.