For Immediate Release                               

November 25, 2005

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS KINGSTON, FRONTENAC, LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HEALTH UNIT IN SMOKE-FREE CAMPAIGN

Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit To Lead Area-Wide Anti-Smoking Programs

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is providing an additional $172,500 in 2005 to support Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit in coordinating tobacco control activities with other health units in their area, John Gerretsen, MPP (Kingston and the Island) and Leona Dombrowsky, MPP (Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington), announced today on behalf of  Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson.

“This investment will improve the health of our community by reducing tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke,” said Gerretsen. “The Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit will assist in the effort to prevent more children and youth from starting to smoke, help those who want to quit smoking and protect people from second-hand smoke.”

Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit will lead the collaboration with the other health units in developing programs that prevent smoking among youth, reducing smoking in general, and eliminating involuntary exposure to second-hand smoke. A network coordinator and a youth specialist have been hired to lead these programs.

“Public health units play a critical, front-line role in helping to make Ontario smoke-free.  Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit will coordinate this important campaign in its region,” said Leona Dombrowsky.

Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit will be working with Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, City of Ottawa – Public Health and Long Term Care Branch and Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

The funding announced today is part of the $50 million the government is investing this year in its Smoke-Free Ontario Campaign – the largest anti-smoking investment in the province’s history.

“Our Smoke-Free Ontario Campaign is protecting people from second-hand smoke, helping prevent young people from starting to smoke and giving people the tools they need to quit,” Watson said.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Campaign includes legislation to ban smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public places effective May 31, 2006, and will also phase out the display of tobacco products.

The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in this province. Key priority areas include Ontario’s Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, healthy active living, injury prevention and mental health.

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