The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, joined the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT) today to launch a new youth vaping advertising campaign entitled: ‘The New Look of Nicotine Addiction’.
The campaign, which is part of a public education and awareness initiative developed and implemented in partnership with ACT, focuses on educating and encouraging parents and trusted adults to become more aware about the harms and risks of vaping so they can talk to the youth in their lives. Other components of the initiative include teacher-led presentations, knowledge exchange webinars, and community resources.
During today’s launch, Minister Dempster also announced an additional $75,000 to enable ACT to increase the frequency and duration of the campaign in order to reach more parents and trusted adults.
Recent data indicates that vaping among youth in Newfoundland and Labrador has increased. According to the 2018-19 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Survey, 47 per cent of students in grades seven to 12 have tried a vaping product, which is up from 38 per cent in 2016-17.
Quotes
“As a government, we share the concerns of parents, educators, health professionals, and community partners regarding the significant increase of youth vaping in our province. In addition to $210,000 in annual funding, we are pleased to provide ACT with $165,000 to date to help equip parents and trusted adults with information and resources that will help them talk with youth about the harms and risks of vaping.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“ACT is pleased that the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development is able to provide additional support for this initiative. This new funding will allow us to enhance the current campaign to ensure that our message is being seen by as many parents and caregivers in the province as possible. Government’s commitment to reducing the smoking and vaping rates in the province is a key element of the work that we do and is integral to our success.”
Scott Antle
Chair of the Board, Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco
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Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Kevin Coady
Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco
709-753-0079, 689-6005
kevincoady@actnf.com