National

One More Hurdle Removed For B.C. Smokers Hoping To Quit In 2016

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Dec, 2015 02:05 PM

VANCOUVER — The B.C. government is making it easier for smokers who want to kick the habit in 2016.

Health Minister Terry Lake says starting Jan. 1, anyone who wants to quit no longer needs to call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to join the province's smoking cessation program.

Lake says smokers can sign up at any pharmacy and have access to free nicotine replacement therapy products.

Options include nicotine lozenges, inhalers, gum, the nicotine skin patch, as well as specific prescription drugs.

B.C. Pharmacy Association CEO Geraldine Vance says pharmacists are committed to helping patients lead healthier lives and want to assist smokers with making 2016 the year they quit successfully.

The smoking cessation program began in 2011 and the province says it has invested more than $38-million since then, helping more than 187,000 people try to kick the habit.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Germany Welcomes Justin Trudeau Participation On Climate Change, Diplomacy

OTTAWA — Germany hopes that the advent of a Trudeau Liberal government means Canada will play a more positive role at the upcoming Paris climate summit.

Germany Welcomes Justin Trudeau Participation On Climate Change, Diplomacy

Travel Advisory Issued For Mexico As Major Hurricane Approaches

Canada's foreign affairs department was urging the nearly 2,000 Canadians believed to be in parts of Mexico possibly in the path of a major hurricane to seek shelter and move to safety if they can.

Travel Advisory Issued For Mexico As Major Hurricane Approaches

Gordon Lightfoot Statue Unveiled In His Hometown Of Orillia, Ont.

On a crisp autumn day with his hit "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" playing in the background, a humble Gordon Lightfoot reflected on his roots in Orillia, Ont., as a lakefront sculpture of the singer-songwriter was unveiled before hundreds of fans.

Gordon Lightfoot Statue Unveiled In His Hometown Of Orillia, Ont.

Canada's 'Fair Share' On Climate Financing Is $4Billion A Year: Environmental Group

The startling appeal comes out of a meeting of developing countries this week in Bonn, Germany, ahead of a United Nations climate summit later this year in Paris.

Canada's 'Fair Share' On Climate Financing Is $4Billion A Year: Environmental Group

Judge To Rule On Bail Application Of Man Accused Of Murdering Halifax Student

HALIFAX — A judge in Halifax says he'll issue a ruling today in the bail hearing for a 23-year-old man charged in the death of a Dalhousie University student.

Judge To Rule On Bail Application Of Man Accused Of Murdering Halifax Student

Meat-Lovers Treat, The Donair, Could Be Designated The Official Food Of Halifax

HALIFAX — For most anyone who lives in Halifax, the messy late-night ritual at the corner of Blowers and Grafton streets is a well known guilty pleasure.