But we must continue to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco on the health of Canadians by strengthening our collective efforts and neutralizing the efforts of the tobacco industry. They will also be posted on Health Canada's Youth Advisory Committee web site, as well as other sites related to youth smoking.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Canada.
For more than 20 years, National Non-Smoking Week has been a time set aside by governments, other organizations and individuals to draw attention to this serious health issue. The latest analysis also indicates that in 1999, approximately half of the smokers in Canada had made at least one attempt to quit smoking, and 11 per cent of Canadians were in the process of trying to kick the habit. Health Canada's new, interactive smoking cessation web site will lend support to those Canadians trying to quit, as well as those who are considering it. This URL is now printed on the health information messages located on the inside of cigarettes packages sold in Canada. They will be required on remaining cigarette brands and all other tobacco products by June 26, 2001.