Resources Library – Prevent Smoking – Children
Education and Prevention Resources for Children
Flavoured e-cigarette regulations – e-advocacy website makes it easy to send submission regarding Health Canada consultation
On June 18, Health Canada announced draft federal regulations for consultation to ban flavours in e-cigarettes, with an exception for tobacco, mint and menthol flavours.
The consultation deadline is Thursday Sept. 2.
An e-advocacy website has been set up to facilitate submissions in response to the consultation through an email letter sent to Health Canada. The letter would also go to the Health Minister and the person’s MP. The website supports strong regulations to be adopted, including removal of the mint and menthol exemption.
The website can be accessed here:
The Protect Canadian Kids Campaign website is supported by Heart & Stroke, Canadian Lung Association, Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada and Canadian Cancer Society.
The June 18, 2021 Health Canada news release announcing the draft regulations can be seen here:
English:
The draft regulations and the accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement can be seen here:
English:
https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2021/2021-06-19/html/reg2-eng.html
Health Concerns: Tobacco – Youth Zone – Health Canada
Too many young Canadians are still tempted by smoking. By giving you the facts about what smoking means to your body, your environment and who’s actually benefiting from the sale of tobacco products, we hope you’ll make an informed decision about lighting up.
Heart Healthy Schools 2022-2023
The Heart Healthy Schools program teaches students about healthy habits across four different theme weeks – Explore Vegetables & Fruit, Discover Water, Joyful Movement, and Rest & Recharge. Participating schools earn a Heart Healthy Schools designation and are eligible for grants upon completion. This year’s program includes revised theme week content and classroom activities to better meet the needs of your school and learners! Your school can register at https://www.
Nova Scotia becomes first province to adopt maximum nicotine level of 20 mg/ml
On May 5, 2020, Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to adopt a maximum nicotine level of 20 mg/ml for e-cigarettes and e-liquids. The Nova Scotia regulation comes into force Sept. 1, 2020.
The maximum nicotine level of 20 mg/ml is the same standard that has been in place in the 28-country European Union (EU) for a number of years.
Some tobacco companies are selling in Canada e-cigarette brands with nicotine levels almost triple this maximum level.
This regulatory amendment, N.S. Reg. 75/2020, was published in Nova Scotia’s Royal Gazette Part II on May 22, 2020 and can be seen on p.244:
The Tobacco Access Regulations can be seen here (the amendments take effect Sept 1, 2020):
Six take-aways from Canada’s student smoking survey
This past week Health Canada released the results of the most recent Canadian Student, Alcohol and Tobacco Survey, with data collected in selected schools across Canada (except New Brunswick) during the 2021-2022 school year. This is the most recent version of the school-based smoking and drug survey which has been conducted periodically since 1994. In recent years the survey covers students in grades 7 to 12. To focus on the health status of these young Canadians as they complete their public school years, many of the results discussed below are limited to those for the senior grades 10 to 12. |
Health Canada provides a useful summary of some topline results – and the media has reported on the concerns raised about the continuing high rate of vaping that was produced by the survey. This post identifies 6 important take-away messages from these results. An excel chart with the tables shown below can be downloaded here. |
World No Tobacco Day: Global Campaign
Tobacco and related industry tactics to attract younger generations
#TobaccoExposed
The global campaign will debunk myths and expose devious tactics employed by these industries. It will provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against them. This is especially important right now as studies show that smokers have a higher risk for a severe case of coronavirus. WHO calls on all young people to join the fight to become a tobacco-free generation.
The campaign provides a variety of media materials including a toolkit for educators, infographic and a video.
Prevention and Education Resources for Parents and Educators
You will also find general resources on tobacco education and prevention on our Prevention – Adults page.
Consider the Consequences of Vaping – Health Canada – 2019
Campaign aimed at youth to tackle increasing vaping rates among this demographic. Many useful tools are available for parents and educators to talk to teens about vaping.
Flavoured e-cigarette regulations – e-advocacy website makes it easy to send submission regarding Health Canada consultation
On June 18, Health Canada announced draft federal regulations for consultation to ban flavours in e-cigarettes, with an exception for tobacco, mint and menthol flavours.
The consultation deadline is Thursday Sept. 2.
An e-advocacy website has been set up to facilitate submissions in response to the consultation through an email letter sent to Health Canada. The letter would also go to the Health Minister and the person’s MP. The website supports strong regulations to be adopted, including removal of the mint and menthol exemption.
The website can be accessed here:
The Protect Canadian Kids Campaign website is supported by Heart & Stroke, Canadian Lung Association, Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada and Canadian Cancer Society.
The June 18, 2021 Health Canada news release announcing the draft regulations can be seen here:
English:
The draft regulations and the accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement can be seen here:
English:
https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2021/2021-06-19/html/reg2-eng.html
Healthy School Planner – Joint Consortium for School Health
The Healthy School Planner is a free tool that schools can use to assess the current health environment and build a plan to make improvements.
Healthy School Planner: How to Use – Joint Consortium for School Health
At a glance information on how to use the Joint Consortium for School Health’s Healthy School Planner.
Heart Healthy Schools 2022-2023
The Heart Healthy Schools program teaches students about healthy habits across four different theme weeks – Explore Vegetables & Fruit, Discover Water, Joyful Movement, and Rest & Recharge. Participating schools earn a Heart Healthy Schools designation and are eligible for grants upon completion. This year’s program includes revised theme week content and classroom activities to better meet the needs of your school and learners! Your school can register at https://www.
Heart Smart Kids – Heart & Stoke Foundation – 2019
The Heart Smart Kids (HSK) program is for grades K to 6 in Indigenous communities across the country. This program is designed to help educators teach children and families how to lead healthy lifestyles by providing free print resources for every student. A section about Tobacco-Free living is included. If you are a teacher or health educator of students in grades K-6, register and complete the short and convenient online training to become an official Heart Smart Kids educator – certificate included! After completing the training you will have access to background information on each health topic, online support, options to share stories and feedback, plus easy annual reordering – all for free.
Let’s Talk About Vaping: A Quick Reference Guide
The Horizon Health Network’s Centre of Excellence for Clinical Smoking Cessation has created a vaping toolkit for the Healthy Learners in School Program of Public Health that is intended to provide resources and information on vaping for educators working in the Department of Education. This resource contains information on the following topics:
- general vaping information
- nicotine and the young brain
- nicotine and mental heath
- health impacts of vaping
- marketing tactics targeting youth
- quitting vaping
- resources
New Brunswick e-cigarette bills on e-cigarette flavours, retail licensing, received third reading
In New Brunswick, private member’s bill 63 of Liberal health critic Jean-Claude D’Amours received third reading on Thursday June 10. The bill includes a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes (other than tobacco flavour) and will come into force on Sept. 1, 2021. Second reading and third reading of Bill 63 was conducted by a voice vote, and there were no apparent votes against the bill at the second reading or third reading votes. Bill 63, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, can be seen here:
https://www.gnb.ca/legis/bill/FILE/60/1/Bill-63-e.htm
The private member’s bill of Jean-Claude D’Amours had originally been introduced on Nov. 18, 2020, as Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act. Bill 17 also had a ban on flavours in e-cigarettes other than tobacco flavour. Bill 17 received second reading on May 20, 2021, and was considered in committee on May 27. During committee, the government was advancing a number of technical amendments. However, consideration of these amendments was put on pause. Instead of Bill 17 advancing further, Jean-Claude D’Amours re-introduced his private member’s bill as Bill 63 on June 1, 2021, with amendments, and with no longer a need for the government to introduce amendments. Bill 63 received second reading on June 3, and was considered in committee on June 4. In committee, a proposed amendment to exempt mint and menthol flavours from the flavour ban was introduced by People’s Alliance leader Kris Austen, but this proposed amendment in committee was defeated. Bill 63 then went on to receive third reading on June 10 as originally introduced and without amendment.
Bill 17 can be seen here:
https://www1.gnb.ca/legis/bill/editform-e.asp?ID=1513&legi=60&num=1
Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, a government bill that received first reading on May 11, 2021, received third reading on June 9, 2021. The bill requires specialty vape stores to have a retail licence and will come into force on January 4, 2022. This licensing requirement is not intended to apply all stores selling e-cigarettes, such as convenience stores, on the stated basis that stores that also sell tobacco products are already required to have a provincial tobacco retail licence. (Nova Scotia requires stores selling both tobacco products and e-cigarettes to pay a separate licence fee for each.) Bill 55 can be seen here:
Pilot project seeks community-driven solutions to substance use among youth
SAINT JOHN (GNB) – A pilot project is being launched to help communities find ways to reduce substance use among youth.
The five-year project is being done in collaboration with Planet Youth, an Icelandic research consultancy; community and health promotion partners will work together to find solutions that are unique to each community’s specific needs.
“We are following through on our commitment to help reduce substance use among young people,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch. “The next generation of New Brunswickers has a bright future ahead. By working together as communities, we can help them be more resilient and reach their full potential.”
The provincial government is committing $255,000 per year to the project over five years.
Four sites have been chosen: Saint John, Woodstock, Kent County and the Acadian Peninsula.
The Planet Youth Guidance Program adapts and implements the Icelandic Prevention Model, which is an evidence- and community-based process credited with lowering substance use in Iceland over the past 20 years.
Access to addiction and mental health services is one of five action areas in the provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action. This pilot project was one of the plan’s commitments. It is also a key initiative in the Department of Health’s Inter-Departmental Addiction and Mental Health Action Plan and aligns with the government’s commitment to develop long-term programs related to youth and addictions.
“We believe that the strength of a community is based on the well-being of the people who live there,” said Planet Youth chief executive officer Pall Ríkhardsson. “That is core to the aims of Planet Youth, to improve the future of youth through an adaptable process that is data-driven, evidence-informed and focused on prevention and upstream solutions. That is why we are pleased to be working with communities in New Brunswick.”
Planet Youth’s Guidance Program aims to strengthen protective factors, mitigate risk factors and build healthy community environments by focusing on things such as family, peer groups, extracurricular activities and school well-being.
It also involves the building of community-led coalitions, which include practitioners, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders concerned with the health and well-being of young people.
The project will begin this fall with the development of community action teams in each of the four pilot sites.
“We know 51 per cent of New Brunswickers have indicated they are at risk of developing negative mental health impacts due to the social isolation, stress and economic impacts of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fitch. “That is why we are taking action to prevent addictions and mental health issues.”
The pilot project is one of several initiatives and actions intended to address mental health and addictions issues among youth:
· One-at-a-time therapy has been implemented in all health zones, with the goal of offering services in all child and youth teams by December.
· The Bridge the gapp website was launched in late 2020 as a mental health resource.
· Funding has been provided to both regional health authorities for the addition of 51.3 full-time equivalent positions in emergency departments. The regional health authorities have also implemented processes for suicide risk assessments.
· $380,000 has been provided to ACCESS Open Minds.
· Enhanced resources have been provided for the delivery of mobile crisis services.
· Increased funding ($460,000) has been allocated to secure health professionals to deliver social pediatrics services.
· $800,000 has been allocated to increase diagnostic capacity, services and support at the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Centre of Excellence.
· $390,000 has been provided to Partners for Youth and Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick to establish a youth advisory council.
Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco – Health Canada
Learn about vaping, tobacco products, effects of smoking, second-hand smoke, prevention and quitting.
The Wellness Movement
The Wellness Movement is a collective, ongoing effort in New Brunswick to inspire and support the creation of wellness-supporting environments, including tobacco-free and smoke-free homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Visit their website to join the Movement, find resources about a range of wellness topics, consult an events calendar of activities across the province and get inspired by New Brunswick success stories.
The Wellness Movement – Determinants of Health Poster
A colorful, bilingual poster presenting the 12 determinants of health adopted as part of New Brunswick’s Wellness Strategy. Offered in 8½” by 14″ format to be printed and used as an educational tool to introduce the influence of the determinants of health on an individual’s wellness, or on a population’s general wellness levels.
The Wellness Movement – Connect with Wellness in your Region
The Wellness Movement’s regional webpages make it easy to connect with your local Wellness Networks, and stay informed about wellness initiatives happening near you. You’ll find event calendars, resources, information, tools, photos, and inspiring stories, as well as a list of Regional Wellness Networks in your area.
The Wellness Movement – School Wellness Toolkit
Designed to complement existing wellness initiatives in NB schools, the School Wellness Toolkit offers information and fresh ideas to help you champion The Wellness Movement in your school.
The Wellness Movement – Wellness Tip Card – Tobacco-Free Living – 2019
A tip card about tobacco-free living, one of the focus areas of The Wellness Movement.
Tobacco-Free Living – New Brunswick Department of Social Development – Wellness Branch
Tobacco free living is essential to a healthy lifestyle! Living tobacco free means avoiding exposure to smoke, not starting to smoke and, if you currently smoke, quitting. Living tobacco free reduces the risk of many chronic diseases and enhances quality of life. Information and links to resources for New Brunswickers who want to live tobacco-free, including quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke and smoking prevention for children, are provided on this web site.
Tobacco-Free Living – Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Public Health) – Government of New Brunswick
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health promotes tobacco-free living by administering legislation that supports smoke-free public places and restricts both tobacco advertising and sales to youth. The goal is to create environments that will discourage people, especially children from ever starting to use tobacco. Tobacco-free living at home, work and play is important to the health of all New Brunswickers. The Department of Health works closely with the Department of Social Development and other partner organizations to support tobacco-free living initiatives. Information and tools related to the New Brunswick Smoke-Free Spaces Act as well as the New Brunswick Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act are available on this webpage.
Tobacco-Free Schools Action Guide – Smoke and Vape Free NB, Canadian Cancer Society and Health Canada – 2006
The tobacco-free schools initiative uses a comprehensive school health approach to prevent and reduce youth tobacco use by changing the school environment through programs, services, supports and policies.
Reports and Statistics: Tobacco and Vaping Products Use & Children Exposed to Second-Hand Smoke
Achieving Tobacco-Free Living: A Priority in New Brunswick – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017
This infographic presents key statistics related to tobacco use in New Brunswick, including regional data.
Asthma Hospitalizations Among Children and Youth in Canada: Trends and Inequalities – Canadian Institute for Health Information – 2018
Asthma hospitalizations in Canada among those aged 0-19 have decreased by 50% over a decade. As the report notes, smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are risk factors for asthma exacerbation, especially in children. The decline in smoking during this period and reduced exposure to second-hand smoke would have contributed to the decrease in asthma hospitalizations among those 19 and under.
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) – Statistics Canada (2018-2019)
Survey of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among Canadian students in grades 7 to 12 conducted by the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo for Health Canada. Note: New Brunswick did not participate in the 2016 – 2017 and 2018-2018 CSTADS. The 2018-19 CSTADS was integrated into the administration of the New Brunswick Student Wellness Survey for Grades 6 – 12.
My Community at a Glance – New Brunswick Health Council – 2017
The goal of these community profiles, published by the New Brunswick Health Council, is to empower individuals with information about their community to stimulate interest in building healthier communities. The information in each profile (including tobacco use) gives a comprehensive view about the people who live, learn, work, and take part in community life. 33 New Brunswick Community Profile Reports were released in 2017.
NB Elementary Student Wellness Survey (K-5) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2016-2017)
Survey of wellness (including exposure to smoke) among students in grades 4 and 5 and parents of students in kindergarten to grade 5 across schools in New Brunswick conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council as part of a provincial initiative of the Wellness Branch of the Department of Social Development in co-operation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
NB Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) – New Brunswick Department of Social Development (2018-2019)
Survey on wellness (including tobacco use and vaping) among students in grades 6 to 12 across schools in New Brunswick conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council as part of a provincial initiative of the Wellness Branch of the Department of Social Development in co-operation with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
New Brunswick Population Health Data – New Brunswick Health Council
The New Brunswick Health Council (NBHC) was created by legislation in 2008 to report publicly on the performance of the provincial health system and to engage citizens in the improvement of health services quality. All the latest population health data for the province is available on its website.
Six take-aways from Canada’s student smoking survey
This past week Health Canada released the results of the most recent Canadian Student, Alcohol and Tobacco Survey, with data collected in selected schools across Canada (except New Brunswick) during the 2021-2022 school year. This is the most recent version of the school-based smoking and drug survey which has been conducted periodically since 1994. In recent years the survey covers students in grades 7 to 12. To focus on the health status of these young Canadians as they complete their public school years, many of the results discussed below are limited to those for the senior grades 10 to 12. |
Health Canada provides a useful summary of some topline results – and the media has reported on the concerns raised about the continuing high rate of vaping that was produced by the survey. This post identifies 6 important take-away messages from these results. An excel chart with the tables shown below can be downloaded here. |
Susceptibility to Smoking Amongst Youth in New Brunswick – Smoke and Vape Free NB and New Brunswick Health Council – 2014
Susceptibility to smoking is defined as “the absence of a firm decision not to smoke.” This represents youth who have never tried smoking, but are at risk of smoking in the future. Susceptibility is therefore useful for predicting which youth may become smokers. This document presents statistics related to New Brunswick youth as well as some ideas on how parents and teachers can take action to reduce susceptibility to smoking among youth.
World No Tobacco Day: Global Campaign
Tobacco and related industry tactics to attract younger generations
#TobaccoExposed
The global campaign will debunk myths and expose devious tactics employed by these industries. It will provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against them. This is especially important right now as studies show that smokers have a higher risk for a severe case of coronavirus. WHO calls on all young people to join the fight to become a tobacco-free generation.
The campaign provides a variety of media materials including a toolkit for educators, infographic and a video.
Dangers of Exposure to Second & Third-Hand Smoke
See our Smoke-Free Environments page for information on the importance of smoke-free environments and the dangers of second and third-hand smoke.
Of particular interest:
Legislation & Policies
Many pieces of legislation are in place -in New Brunswick and in Canada – to limit young people’s exposure to second-hand smoke, as well as access to tobacco and vaping products. Visit our Legislation page to learn more.
Funding & Grants
Funding and grants available for tobacco and vaping product education and prevention projects are listed on our Funding & Grants page.