Canadian province steps up its anti-smoking fight

The Canadian province of British Columbia has increased its efforts to dissuade residents from smoking, with new measures that include providing free anti-smoking medication.

Citizens in the region will now have access to free 12 week supply of nicotine gum or patches, or alternatively, prescription drugs that could help them give up the habit.

The Canadian government says that more than 6,000 British Columbians die each year from smoking related illnesses. They believe the cost of these illnesses totals more than $600 million per year. The cost of the programme, in contrast, is only expected to be between $15 and $25 million.

Across wider Canada, an estimated 37,000 people die every year due to smoking, according to Health Canada. Of these people, 300 will be non-smokers who have died of lung cancer, while at least 700 will die of coronary heart disease caused by exposure to second-hand smoke.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including more than 60 that cause, initiate or promote cancer, including tar or ammonia. Around the world, it is the biggest single cause of premature, avoidable death.

Among the drugs that British Columbia may provide for citizens, to help them quit smoking, is the prescription medication Champix. This drug alters the way that the brain reacts to cigarettes, reducing their addictive power.