Mr. Speaker, today is World No Tobacco Day.
This annual event is sponsored by the World Health Organization to focus attention on the devastating consequences of tobacco use. Smoking is responsible for some three million deaths each year around the world, 40,000 deaths in Canada alone.
This year's theme is "The Media and Tobacco: Getting the Message Across". The Canadian media has been responsible for alerting and educating the public to the health hazards of tobacco.
I congratulate it and urge it to continue its role as advocate. I would like to urge those Canadians who smoke to think about stopping.
Health Canada in partnership with the National Clearinghouse on Tobacco and Health has compiled an inventory of smoking cessation programs. I would be prepared to provide a copy of this resource to anyone who feels they need assistance in quitting or the groups active in this field.
Today is the day to say no to tobacco.