Prevention very much focuses on youth. Resources and activities will be developed to engage them in developing effective programs and strategies for their peers. Health Canada will provide health policy assistance to the Department of Finance in developing effective tax strategies. Taxation is an important element of tobacco control, as it has clearly been shown to reduce consumption, particularly among youth. The strategy calls for building upon existing web-based and printed resources to inform health care professionals, teachers and others working with youth.
Partnerships are critical to the implementation of an integrated program.
The Government of Canada will work with the provinces, territories and NGOs to build on existing networks, and to enhance the ability of communities to act on this issue. In the area of cessation, steps will be taken to address the need for national standards, including clinical practice guidelines and tools that engage health professionals in the promotion of smoking cessation. The strategy aims to enhance public access to programs, resources and information on best practices. Despite the best efforts to reduce smoking among Canadians, there are some who will continue to smoke. Health Canada will continue to exercise its responsibility to regulate products in such a way as to reduce the risk from tobacco use.