GN offering prizes to Nunavut smokers who quit

Statistics Canada estimates that 60 per cent of Nunavummiut aged 12 and over smoke daily or occasionally. (FILE PHOTO)

The Government of Nunavut is offering incentive to smokers to kick the habit.

As part of its Tobacco Has No Place Here campaign, the GN is offering up to $40,000 in prizes to Nunavummiut who quit smoking for the month of March.

To help, the department of health is also offering complimentary two-week supplies of nicotine replacement therapy.

Statistics Canada data from 2011 estimates that 60 per cent of Nunavummiut aged 12 and over smoke daily or occasionally.

“The Tobacco Has No Place Here campaign was started to help Nunavummiut understand the negative health effects of tobacco on our communities, people and land,” said Nunavut’s health minister Paul Okalik in a Feb. 18 release.

“In Nunavut we know all too well the devastating health effects of tobacco use. I support and encourage fellow Nunavummiut to come together and sign up to quit tobacco this March.”

The contest is a two-person challenge which includes both a tobacco user and a “quit buddy” to support their efforts.

Nunavummiut interested in taking part can sign up at www.nuquits.ca, through the Tobacco Has No Place Here Facebook page or in person at their local health centre.

Contestants can also make an appointment at their community health centre or the public health office in Iqaluit to receive their personal quit kit.

The deadline to enter the contest is Sat., Feb. 28.