New Year, Healthier You: Quit Smoking and Vaping in 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to change. In Manitoba, more people are taking steps to quit smoking and vaping, and the numbers are inspiring.
As of 2022, 14.1% of Manitobans smoke, down from 25.7% over two decades ago.
Most people who have ever smoked have successfully quit, and nearly half of those who still smoke have tried to quit.
7.8% of Manitobans vape, which is the highest rate in Canada. However, even as vaping rises, 42.4% of people who vape daily have made quit attempts in the last year, showing that many are motivated to stop.
Quitting is possible, and resources are available to help you become part of this positive trend. If you’re thinking about quitting, 2025 could be your year!
Free Resources to Help You Quit Smoking or Vaping in Manitoba
You don’t have to do it alone. Manitoba offers many free tools and programs, whether you prefer in-person, virtual, or group support. Find the option that’s best for you, and take your first step today.
Quit Smoking with Your Manitoba Pharmacist
Great for: Convenient, in-person counselling and financial support for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Offered by: Many community pharmacists, some in languages other than English
Participating Manitoba pharmacies provide personalized quit plans, including up to nine counselling sessions and a $100 subsidy for Nicotine Replacement Therapy products that your pharmacist might advise are right for you. Note: the deadline to enrol is March 31, 2025.
Smokers’ Helpline
Great for: Virtual one-to-one support.
Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society
A free, confidential service offering phone coaching with a Quit Coach, text support for motivation, and access to an online community with tools and personalized quit plans available in more than one language.
Talk Tobacco
Great for: Culturally tailored support for First Nation, Inuit, and Indigenous communities.
Offered by: Canadian Cancer Society
Provides free, confidential, and culturally appropriate support and information about quitting smoking or vaping, designed with input from Indigenous leaders and community members.
Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program
Great for: People ready to quit smoking or vaping in the next 30 days! Convenient, in-person support and financial aid for NRT.
Offered by: Shared Health Manitoba
Offers counselling sessions for low-income patients with a health professional and a Quit Card redeemable for up to $300 of nicotine replacement medications at any Manitoba pharmacy.
ManitobaQuits
Great for: Joining a virtual community with regular quit challenges.
Offered by: Manitoba Lung Association
A Facebook Group offering peer support and quit challenges with opportunities to win prizes.
Commit to Quit
Great for: Preparing to quit with online group support.
Offered by: Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority in partnership with Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Commit to Quit is a five-week program offering live online group classes to help you become smoke-free.
Packing it In
Great for: Preparing to quit.
Offered by: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Packing it In is a one-session primer on quitting smoking.
Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Motivation Meters
Great for: Staying motivated to quit smoking or vaping.
Offered by: Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA)
An interactive tool that helps you understand the financial and health benefits of quitting, keeping you motivated throughout your journey.
First Week Challenge
Great for: Short-term commitment with a prize incentive.
Offered by: Smokers’ Helpline
Encourages you to quit smoking for the first seven days of the month, with a chance to win $500, increasing your likelihood of quitting for good.
Take the First Step
Quitting smoking or vaping isn’t easy, but the support you need is right here in Manitoba. You can also speak with your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist for additional advice and information on NRT and stop-smoking medications.
Let’s make 2025 your year to quit for good!
Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA) is dedicated to helping Manitobans reduce nicotine use through education, resources, and advocacy. Browse our website for more tools and resources, or sign up for our e-newsletter to stay inspired and informed.