nFrom January 19 to 25, 2025, the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health (CQTS), in collaboration with its partners and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, is launching the 48th edition of the Week for a Tobacco-free Quebec. This campaign aims to raise awareness among the Quebec population of the harms of smoking and to encourage smokers to quit.
This year’s campaign focuses on how tobacco can disrupt family life in an instant. A poignant advert illustrates this reality through the portrait of a mother rushing her children after their father suffered a stroke due to smoking. “Beyond the statistics, this ad shows the real impact of tobacco on the lives of families.We hope that this will resonate with smokers and encourage them to quit,” says Dominique Claveau,interim general director of the CQTS.
Despite efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, it remains a major public health problem. Around 12.5% of Quebecers continue to smoke. Smoking doubles the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and each year, 13,000 Quebecers lose their lives due to tobacco-related illnesses.
The CQTS points out that quitting smoking is beneficial not only for the health of the smoker, but also for that of their loved ones. The organization encourages smokers to use the smoking cessation services available through the J’ARRÊTE program. this program offers confidential,free and effective help,with professionals available online,by telephone,or in person in specialized centers in Quebec.
The CQTS is also partnering with the Heart + Stroke FAST campaign to teach the signs of a stroke, a medical emergency that can strike without warning. Knowing these signs — like a drooping face, inability to raise your arms, or slurred speech — can save lives.The message is clear: if in doubt, call 9-1-1 promptly.
The CQTS, founded in 1976, is a key player in the fight against smoking and the promotion of public health in Quebec.The organization made history with its victory against Canadian tobacco companies in the tobacco class action.Today, the CQTS continues to fight against the leading cause of preventable mortality in Quebec and also fights against the consumption of cannabis and vaping products among young people.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Campaign Dates | January 19 to 25, 2025 |
| Focus | Raising awareness of smoking harms and encouraging quitting |
| Smoking Statistics | 12.5% of Quebecers smoke; 13,000 deaths annually |
| Health Risks | Doubles risk of heart attacks and strokes |
| Support Program | J’ARRÊTE offers free, confidential help |
| partnership | Heart + Stroke FAST campaign |
| CQTS Mission | Fight against smoking and promote public health |
The Week for a Tobacco-Free Quebec is a crucial initiative to combat the devastating effects of smoking. By highlighting the real-life impacts on families and providing accessible support through the J’ARRÊTE program, the CQTS aims to inspire a healthier Quebec. For more data on how to quit smoking, visit the J’ARRÊTE program.
Headline:
Reevaluating Family Health: An Interview with Dr. ÉmilieLaflamme on the 48th Week for a Tobacco-Free Quebec
Introduction:
As the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health (CQTS) gears up for the 48th Week for a Tobacco-Free Quebec,we sit down with Dr. Émilie Laflamme, a renowned public health specialist and tobacco cessation expert, to discuss the impact of tobacco on family life, the importance of this year’s campaign, and the support available for Quebecers looking to quit smoking.
Interview:
Senior Editor,World Today News: Dr. Laflamme, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. The CQTS’s 2025 campaign focuses on the disruptive effects of tobacco on family life. Can you share some insights into this connection?
Dr. Émilie Laflamme: Indeed, smoking doesn’t just affect the individual smoker; it has profound ripple effects on their loved ones. Tobacco use doubles the risk of heart attacks and strokes, which can happen suddenly, disrupting family life instantly. As the campaign illustrates, a parent’s health crisis due to smoking can have devastating consequences on the entire family structure. Statistics show that around 12.5% of Quebecers still smoke, and every year, tobacco-related illnesses claim the lives of 13,000 of our fellow citizens. it’s crucial to raise awareness about these real-life impacts.
Senior Editor: This year’s campaign features a poignant ad portraying a mother rushing her children after their father suffered a stroke due to smoking. How do you think this approach can encourage smokers to quit?
Dr. Émilie Laflamme: The power of storytelling cannot be understated. This ad moves beyond statistics to illustrate the tangible, emotional impact of tobacco on families. It’s a stark wake-up call, showing smokers the potential consequences of their actions on those they love. We hope it sparks a strong emotional response, driving smokers to take that crucial first step towards quitting.
Senior Editor: Speaking of quitting, the CQTS encourages smokers to use the J’ARRÊTE program. Can you tell us more about this initiative and how it can help Quebecers?
Dr. Émilie Laflamme: Absolutely. J’ARRÊTE is a comprehensive, confidential, and free smoking cessation program designed to support smokers every step of the way. It offers professional help online, by telephone, or in person at specialized centers across Quebec. The program provides essential tools, strategies, and a support network to help smokers quit and stay quit. It’s proven effective,and we strongly encourage anyone looking to quit to reach out to J’ARRÖTE.
Senior Editor: The CQTS is also partnering with the Heart + Stroke FAST campaign to teach stroke signs. Why is this collaboration important?
Dr.Émilie Laflamme: Heart attacks and strokes are time-sensitive medical emergencies.Knowing the signs – like a drooping face, inability to raise arms, or slurred speech – can truly save lives. By partnering with the FAST campaign, the CQTS emphasizes the urgent need for early intervention.if you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 promptly.
Senior Editor: Dr. Laflamme, thank you for your insights and for the vital work you do in promoting public health in Quebec. Is there a final message you’d like to share with our readers?
Dr. Émilie Laflamme: Thank you for having me. My final message is simple: If you smoke, let this year’s Week for a Tobacco-Free Quebec be your catalyst for change. Remember, quitting isn’t just about your health; it’s about creating a healthier, safer habitat for your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to reach out to J’ARRÊTE for support. Together, we can build a tobacco-free Quebec, one family at a time.
senior Editor: A powerful message, indeed. Thank you, Dr. Laflamme, for your time and expertise.
Dr. Émilie Laflamme: My pleasure. Thank you.
