Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Smoking rates in the NWT are double the national

average. In 2009, 36 percent of NWT residents 15 and older smoked, compared to 17 percent nationally. Smoking contributes to chronic diseases affecting the heart and lungs, and also causes cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that within the next six months, three of our health and social services authorities will be smoke-free. The Hay River Health and Social Services Authority and the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority have both established new tobacco policies, and the Stanton Territorial Health Authority has been smoke-free since this spring. Patients don’t have to quit smoking, but they can only smoke off the grounds. If they need extra help to quit smoking, they can get it from their doctors and nurses.

In recognition of Aboriginal cultural practices, tobacco use for traditional spiritual purposes continues to be allowed.

I applaud the initiative shown by our health and social services authorities. They are providing a healthier environment for patients and staff and they are sending a clear message that tobacco has no place in an institution dedicated to improving health.

Mr. Speaker, by setting a positive example and providing a supportive environment, we hope to encourage residents of the NWT to tackle their tobacco addictions. Change is not always easy.

Eliminating tobacco use in our health and social services authorities is one way to reduce our smoking rates. We are going beyond treatment to truly promote health.

We also offer additional supports to help people quit smoking. Our Quitline provides toll-free telephone counseling support for smokers who would like to quit. The service features trained cessation counsellors and personal call-back programs to support smokers at a time that fits for them.

Mr. Speaker, the cost of smoking cessation aids is covered for all residents, even those that are not covered under a health benefit program. The GNWT will provide up to three months’ worth of prescription medication or nicotine replacement therapy, such as the patch or gum.

Smoking is very addictive. It’s best not to start at all. We are re-launching the Don’t be a Butthead campaign this January with new on-line prevention modules. Youth can continue to make a promise to be smoke-free each year. Students in our Smoke Screening program watch 12 of the best anti-tobacco ads from around the world and vote for the one they think is most effective.

Mr. Speaker, smoking will continue to be one of our health system’s biggest challenges. We have made some progress in reducing our smoking rates, but

we have room to improve. I encourage all residents to make healthy choices every day. It’s never too late to quit smoking and our government can help.

Our goal is to get smoking rates down to the national level. It can be done if each of us can convince one person that smokes to quit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.