Tobacco control

1995

Launch of 1^st Plan d’action québécois de lutte contre le tabagisme. The 1^st phase of this initiative began with the drafting and passing of the Tobacco Act. Québec ranks among societies most strongly committed to legislative measures to combat smoking.

1997

Declaration of tobacco control as one of 7 national public-health priorities for 1997−2002.

1998

Tobacco Act is passed.

2000

Inclusion of funding for nicotine-withdrawal therapies on list of prescription drugs covered by the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan .

2001

Taxes on tobacco raised. This measure enables an increase in funding for tobacco control.

Drafting and implementation of the Plan québécois de lutte contre le tabagisme 2001-2005  (in French only). This plan introduces a comprehensive and integrated “de-normalization” strategy that aims to change society’s attitudes toward smoking and tobacco products.

Investment increased, allowing the stepping up of:

• Communication and information campaigns on the harm caused by smoking
• Educational activities and support for people who want to quit smoking
• Inspection activities designed to reinforce the Tobacco Act.

2002

Reference framework developed and the implementation of the Plan québécois d’abandon du tabagisme

Taxes on tobacco raised, allowing an increase in funding for tobacco control.

2003

In its Québec Public Health Program 2003−2012 , the government identifies the following objectives:

• Reduce the proportion of smokers aged 15 and over to 18%
• Reduce smoking among high school students
• Reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.

2004

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux initiates a new information campaign on second-hand smoke. This campaign is aimed at making the public aware of the harm associated with exposure to tobacco smoke in public places, particularly in restaurants and bars.

2005

Passage of the Act to amend the Tobacco Act and other legislative provisions.

2006

In May, the Tobacco Act comes into effect for some public places. This Act covers the use, provision and promotion of tobacco products. Other legislative measures also come into effect in September.

Publication and dissemination of the Plan québécois de lutte contre le tabagisme 2006-2010  (in French only), extended until 2015. This plan is recognized as a support, in Québec, of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

2008

Come into effect:

• Regulation under the Tobacco Act
• Regulation respecting the warning from the Ministre de la Santé et des Services sociaux concerning the harmful effects of tobacco on health
• The prohibition of tobacco use and installation of smoking rooms in some workplaces
• The prohibition of displaying tobacco or tobacco packaging in a tobacco retail outlet.

2009

Adoption of the Tobacco-Related Damages and Health-Care Costs Recovery Act .

As of June 1, the amount paid by a consumer for one or more tobacco products other than cigarettes must be greater than $10.

2010

Publication and distribution of the Plan québécois de prévention du tabagisme chez les jeunes 2010−2015

2015

Passage of the Loi visant à renforcer la lutte contre le tabagisme  (in French only). This Act amends the Tobacco Act, which becomes the Tobacco

Some legislative provisions come into effect when the Act is passed on November 26, 2015. To learn about them, visit the Tobacco control Act page.

2016

Other legislative provisions came into effect on May 26, August 26 and November 26. To learn about them, visit the Tobacco control Act page.

2017

Health and social services establishments and post-secondary institutions had until November 26 to adopt a policy for creating a smoke-free environment.