Canada Announces Support for Tobacco Prevention Projects in Aboriginal Communities

Strategic Insights -

The Canadian government has announced support for two tobacco-related projects aimed at preventing Aboriginal youth from smoking. The projects, funded by Health Canada, are designed to educate young people about the dangers of tobacco use and provide them with the skills needed to make informed choices. The government has committed to reducing tobacco use among Canadians, particularly among youth, through its Federal Tobacco Control Strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Quit to Win! Challenge is a contest for Aboriginal youth aged 8-17 who agree to quit smoking or stay tobacco-free for six weeks, with prizes awarded for participants who successfully meet these objectives.
  • The National Indian and Inuit Community Health Representatives Organization (NIICHRO) will receive $472,000 in federal funds over two years to implement this project, with support from the Government of Nunavut's Department of Health and Social Services and the Eel River Bar First Nation in New Brunswick.
  • The For Youth By Youth Trainer Training Program will provide 32 youth in 16 communities with training in tobacco cessation activities, with funding of up to $261,837 over two years from the Government of Nunavut's Department of Health and Social Services.
  • Health Canada's Federal Tobacco Control Strategy aims to reduce the number of youth who begin smoking and support smokers who want to quit and stay tobacco-free.
  • The projects will be implemented in partnership with community health representatives, nurses, and teachers in communities throughout Nunavut.
  • The goal of the projects is to educate Aboriginal youth about the dangers of tobacco use and provide them with the skills needed to make informed choices.

Statistics:

  • $472,000: The amount of federal funds allocated to NIICHRO over two years to implement the Quit to Win! Challenge.
  • $261,837: The maximum amount of funding allocated to the For Youth By Youth Trainer Training Program over two years.
  • 32 young people: The number of youth who will receive training in tobacco cessation activities through the For Youth By Youth Trainer Training Program.
  • 16 communities: The number of communities that will participate in the For Youth By Youth Trainer Training Program.
  • 6 weeks: The duration of the Quit to Win! Challenge, during which Aboriginal youth aged 8-17 will be encouraged to quit smoking or stay tobacco-free.

Sources:

  • Health Canada news release, February 18, 2009
  • Market Wire (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX), "Health Canada Announces Support for Two New Projects to Help Prevent Aboriginal Youth from Smoking"