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The Alliance for the Control of Tobacco
(ACT) has released a comprehensive three-year strategy to combat
tobacco addiction and use in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The provincial Tobacco Reduction
Strategy (2005-2008) outlines an action plan that will, among
other things, focus on youth prevention programs, cessation support
for smokers wanting to quit, advocacy plans for protecting all
people from the hazards of second-hand smoke and strategies for
developing a clear message that smoking is no longer the norm in our
society. The strategy is available online at
www.act-nl.ca.
ACT Chairman Gary Milley said that the
strategy is the result of tremendous consultation and commitment
from partners in every region in the province. “Last September we
started the process of reviewing, renewing and revitalizing the
1999 Tobacco Reduction Strategy,” said Milley. “We are very
proud to release this new strategy which will guide the work of the
Alliance and its partners for the next three years.”
“I would like to congratulate ACT and
its partners for their on-going work and support of tobacco
reduction initiatives in our province. Educating our youth
population on the health hazards associated with smoking and
encouraging them to make healthier choices is vitally important,”
said Health Minister John Ottenheimer. “Prevention and promotion are
critical to better health outcomes and keeping people healthy.”
NLMA President
Dr. Tom Costello said the
physicians of the province welcome the new strategy and will work
closely with ACT and other partners in its implementation. “The NLMA
is pleased to have worked collaboratively with government and our
many partners in the development of healthy public policies aimed at
reducing tobacco use and protecting people from the harmful effects
of second-hand smoke,” said Dr. Costello. “We look forward to
continuing our partnerships with these community groups and with
government to further our efforts, with a particular focus on youth
prevention and cessation support for smokers.”
ACT partners such as the Canadian
Cancer Society are excited about the new strategy. Peter Dawe,
executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundland and
Labrador Division said: “Tobacco control in Newfoundland and
Labrador is all about people and groups coming together to make a
difference and the Tobacco Reduction Strategy is a major part of
this effort. This is the work that must be done to save lives
throughout the province in years to come.”
The Newfoundland and Labrador Lung
Association also applauded the new strategy. “We congratulate ACT on
the release of the 2005-2008 Provincial Tobacco Reduction
Strategy,” said Association President Elizabeth Duff. “It is a
comprehensive document that sets out an aggressive plan of action
for ACT and its partners over the next three years, which will
result in a continued reduction in the use of tobacco in the
province.”
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