Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Yakeleya on October 25, 2004, regarding statistics about smoking.
1. The number of people in the Sahtu region who acknowledge they smoke.
According to the 1999 NWT labour force survey, an estimated 1,050 of the Sahtu region's approximately 2,000 residents 15 years of age and older smoke cigarettes. The rate of smoking among residents 15 years of age and older was 55 percent.
2. A breakdown of smokers by age, gender and youth.
It is estimated that 1,050, or 55 percent, of Sahtu residents are smokers. Of these, an estimated
- a) 570, or 55 percent, are males and 480, or 45 percent, are females;
- b) 130, or 62 percent, are ages 15 to 19;
- c) 290, or 63 percent, are ages 20 to 29;
- d) 510, or 59 percent, are ages 30 to 49; and
- e) 130, or 33 percent, are age 50 and up.
3. The cost of cigarettes in the Sahtu communities.
As of November 1, 2004, the cost of a package of cigarettes in the Sahtu communities ranges in price from $13.91 to $15.84, GST included.
4. What are the actual health costs to the NWT associated with smoking?
It is difficult to estimate health costs associated with smoking as complex studies are required to determine the proportion of smoking-attributable diseases actually caused by smoking. Smoking-attributable costs include hospital visits, physician costs, drug/pharmaceutical costs, worker absenteeism, future earnings lost due to premature death, et cetera. In terms of an individual's health, costs can include poor prenatal growth, premature birth, cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal effects, dental effects -- teeth and gums -- decreased bone density, premature aging of skin and poor physical fitness. Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are at greater risk of lower respiratory infections including bronchitis, croup and pneumonia, as well as sore throats and ear infections.
The NWT's 2001 report, Smoke Alarm, states that:
"...the estimated net cost to society of tobacco use in the NWT is approximately $10 million annually. Societal costs for health care, residential care, fire damage, absenteeism from work and lost productivity due to premature death associated with smoking are estimated to be $31 million annually. These costs are offset by approximately $21 million in tobacco tax revenue annually."
5. In the Sahtu region, who works with the department on smoking education programs?
Community health representatives -- CHRs -- have a key role in health promotion at the community level. Under the direction of the health and social services authority, CHRs initiate tobacco reduction activities and promote territorial tobacco education programs, such as the Don't be a Butthead - Be Smoke Free campaign.
Other individuals, such as health care professionals, community wellness workers, teachers or Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program coordinators are also involved in tobacco education in many communities.
In October 2004, all NWT schools were provided with tobacco curriculum units and resource materials, suitable for grade levels 3 to 4, 5 to 6 and 8 to 9. The materials are flexible and can be used for various grade levels, depending on school or community needs.
6. Can the department provide us with the types of financial support to combat smoking in the NWT?
An individual's employer health benefits program may cover smoking cessation aids or nicotine replacement products, such as nicotine gum, the nicotine patch and prescription medications, such as Zyban, provided that the individual has either a prescription from their physician or has received prior approval from their health benefits provider.