What's Alberta Doing About Tobacco?

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disability, disease and death in Alberta. The human, social and economic costs of tobacco use are enormous. Approximately one-fifth of Albertans smoke. That's the bad news. The good news is that we are doing something about it.

The Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy (ATRS)

In March 2002 Alberta introduced the Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy (ATRS), giving AADAC the mandate to lead and co-ordinate tobacco reduction efforts on behalf of the government of Alberta.

The purpose of the strategy is to improve the wellness of Albertans and to decrease health care costs caused by tobacco use. Specifically, the strategy aims to reduce disease, disability, and death related to tobacco use in Alberta by

• reducing the number of young people starting to use tobacco 
  
• encouraging and helping tobacco users to quit 
  
• reducing non-smokers' exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke

The ATRS is a comprehensive and co-ordinated strategy that includes

• increased taxation on tobacco products 
  
• prevention and education programs 
  
• information and public awareness campaigns 
  
• legislation to prevent youth from smoking 
  
• help for smokers who want to quit 
  
• research and evaluation to ensure that the strategy is effective

The Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy June 2008

Reducing Tobacco Use in Alberta: a Comprehensive Strategy June 2001 

ATRS Highlights 2005/2006 
ATRS Highlights 2004/2005 
ATRS Highlights 2003/2004 
ATRS Highlights 2002/2003