Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention

Tobacco Control

Tobacco use is one of Nova Scotia’s leading causes of preventable illness and death. In Nova Scotia, over 1,700 die each year from smoking related illness and two hundred more die from exposure to second-hand smoke. Over $170 million is spent annually treating tobacco related diseases.

In 2001, Nova Scotia launched a comprehensive tobacco strategy. In five years, the province’s smoking rate has dropped from 30% to 22%.

The strategy includes smoke-free places legislation, higher tobacco prices, ending the promotion of advertising at point of sale, and help for people with a nicotine addiction.