National Non-Smoking Week: Progress Made, But the Fight Against Big Tobacco Continues

Winnipeg, MB – As Canada marks National Non-Smoking Week (January 19-25, 2025), the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA) celebrates the progress made in reducing commercial tobacco use while highlighting the urgent need to protect the next generation from emerging nicotine products. 

Over the past two decades, smoking rates in Manitoba have dropped from 26% to 14%, thanks to decisive government action, strong policies, and dedicated efforts from public health organizations and advocates. However, the tobacco industry continues to evolve, introducing new nicotine products designed to hook young people. 

“The fight against Big Tobacco is far from over,” says Cynthia Carr, Interim Executive Director of MANTRA. “While smoking rates have declined, we now face new challenges with vaping and nicotine pouches. These products are incredibly appealing to youth, threatening to undo decades of progress.” 

While tobacco-related illnesses claim 46,000 Canadian lives annually, new nicotine products – particularly vapes and nicotine pouches – are on the rise. 

Manitoba has the highest vaping rate in Canada (8%), and in the past year alone, we’ve witnessed growing interest in nicotine pouches, a highly addictive, discreet product that appeals to youth. 

MANTRA supports urgent action to regulate these emerging nicotine products before misinformation and industry marketing tactics normalize their use among young people. 

During National Non-Smoking Week, MANTRA urges policymakers to strengthen protections against youth nicotine addiction, including: 

• Banning flavoured vaping products (except tobacco flavour). 

• Raising the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products to 21. 

• Implementing swift regulations on new nicotine products before they gain a foothold in the market. 

“Every step we take to reduce nicotine addiction today prevents a lifetime of harm,” adds Carr. “We need governments to be proactive, not reactive.” 

MANTRA plays a key role in advocating for policy change, collaborating with partners, and supporting Manitobans who want to quit nicotine. To learn more or to support our mission, visit mantrainc.ca and follow us on LinkedIn and X (@MANTRAinc). 

Media Contact 

Cynthia Carr 
Interim Executive Director 
Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance 
204.784.7030 
info@mantrainc.ca