BY GREG STAMPER 
Yesterday marked the end of National Non-Smoking Week for Canadians coast-to-coast.
Every year since 1977, when it was first founded by the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control (CCTC), the week has been held during the third full week of January and features a theme that differs from years-past, with this year’s theme being Truth in Advertising.
This theme was chosen by the CCTC as a way to enlighten consumers about the truth behind cigarettes once you take the branding away and show the product for what it truly is, dangerous.
“If tobacco companies were truthful in their advertising, their packaging would be in the shape of a coffin,” said Bob Walsh, executive director, CCTC. “It’s no secret that cigarettes are the most dangerous product on the market – when used as directed, they have a 50 per cent kill rate. Yet the tobacco industry continues to use branding and product packaging to attract youth and to make their deadly products appear safe.”
The main goals of National Non-Smoking Week are to educate Canadians about the dangers of smoking, to prevent people who do not smoke from beginning to smoke and becoming addicted to tobacco, and also, to help people quit, a goal that is also shared by the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Until Feb. 28, the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging tobacco users across Ontario to quit smoking for the chance to win a new car or other incredible prizes in The Driven to Quit Challenge,” said Karen Griffiths, Waterloo Region community manager for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The key event of National Non-Smoking Week once again was Weedless Wednesday, a one day approach to quitting smoking for those who might be scared off by the concept of a full week, or a full lifetime, without cigarettes.
The next National Non-Smoking Week will be held Jan. 18-24, 2015 with more details on the event to be released throughout the coming year.
For anyone wishing to register for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Driven to Quit Challenge, visit www.DrivenToQuit.ca.
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