The Provincial Government has made some great strides toward lowering tobacco use in Saskatchewan.

That is being highlighted by the Saskatchewan Coalition for Tobacco Reduction this National Non-Smoking Week. President Lynn Greaves says they've started an advertising campaign called "Saskatchewan's putting the pieces together", recognizing the province's progress in reducing smoking.

 

Greaves says the province did not have a provincial tobacco reduction strategy previously, now they are seeing a more comprehensive strategy, and they are considering it as pieces of a puzzle that they'll put together to create a bigger picture of greater health for all Saskatchewan residents.

 

Greaves adds smoking rates in Saskatchewan remain one of the highest in Canada, but the new tobacco control measures taken by the government will help reduce them.

 

New legislation put in last year include banning smoking in cars with children under age 16 inside, prohibiting tobacco use on school properties and keeping smokers at least three metres away from doors and windows of public buildings. Greaves says the law against smoking in vehicles with children inside is particularly important in reducing a child's exposure to second-hand smoke, because research has shown that second-hand smoke levels inside a car can exceed those of a smoky bar, and they know for children, it can be a big problem, as it is for everyone.

 

This spring, the province will introduce the final piece of tobacco control legislation, banning tobacco sales in pharmacies from April 1.