The federal government is investing more than $1.9 million to support a tobacco cessation program designed to help NWT residents quit smoking.
Announced by NWT MP Michael McLeod and Minister of Health Lesa Semmler on Friday afternoon, the program will follow the Ottawa Model for smoking cessation, a widely used approach that provides personalized support to tobacco users.
“The Ottawa model is the gold standard for helping people,” said Semmler. “This approach has been used successfully in other parts of Canada, and has proven to help more people quit smoking for good, reduce hospital visits and health care costs, and lower the risk of early death.”
Under this model, health care providers will routinely ask patients if they smoke during clinic visits. Those who are ready to quit, or have struggled with quitting in the past, will be offered personalized treatment and support from trained professionals.
Implementation began last month at the Yellowknife’s primary care, with plans to expand the program to Stanton Territorial Hospital and eventually to health centres across the territory.
The initiative is part of the federal government’s $144-investment in the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), announced in Budget 2023.
Residents seeking support to quit smoking can contact the national Quitline at 1-866-366-3667 or visit Gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit for resources and advice.
