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.

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