The Government of Alberta is announcing a new Tobacco and Vaping Reduction Strategy during National Non-smoking Week.

The government says more than one in three youths now use vaping products, a significant increase since just 10 years ago. Alberta’s new Tobacco and Vaping Reduction Strategy Alberta is setting ambitious targets for the future and will build upon the 2012 Tobacco-Free Futures plan.

“Our government is committed to supporting Albertans with healthy lifestyles, free from addiction,” said Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

“We hope to see more Albertans choose to stop using these products as they learn more of the impact on their health.”

The Tobacco and Vaping Reduction Strategy includes strategies related to prevention, protection, cessation, and capacity building. The strategy commits to:

• Initiating a public education campaign aimed primarily at youth.
• Developing online sales instructions for retailers pertaining to their role in limiting sales to youth in the online retail environment.
• Developing a guidance document for educators in partnership with Alberta Health Services and school officials to assist with the rise in vaping product use in schools.
• Continuing the work of the Tobacco and Vaping Enforcement Team.
• Continuing to respect the use of ceremonial tobacco by First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in traditional spiritual and cultural practices.
• Establishing a provincial advisory committee to monitor use of commercial smoking and vaping products, guide prevention and reduction efforts, and make the recommendations needed for ongoing progress.

The Canadian Cancer Society is pleased by the renewed strategy.

“Commercial tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer mortality, and it places a tremendous burden on our quality of life, our health care system, and our economy,” said Angeline Webb, senior manager, of advocacy for the Canadian Cancer Society.

“The renewed strategy represents a comprehensive, collaborative approach that will help prevent and reduce commercial tobacco use and youth vaping in Alberta, will protect Alberta kids from nicotine dependency, reduce tobacco-related disease, and ultimately save lives.”

Addiction to tobacco products is the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death in Alberta.