Quit Smoking or Vaping
In Manitoba, there are a variety of resources and programming available to help you quit smoking or vaping.
Note: While we make every effort to keep this page updated, please let us know if any information is inaccurate or missing.
Cessation Counselling
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*Available only by referral from your health care provider.
This free, 8-week education and exercise program can help improve the quality of life for people living with lung disease by teaching stop-smoking strategies, patient self-management and exercises.
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Individual quit smoking assistance provided by the Northern Regional Health Authority.
For information, contact Deanna Johnson, Tobacco Reduction Coordinator:
P: 1-204-681-3143
E: djohnson19@nrha.ca -
The clinic offers one-on-one free counselling sessions for smokers trying to quit. Call to make an appointment or to talk to the counsellor.
P: 1-204-578-4200
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This free program is available at participating pharmacists across Manitoba and includes:
an initial consultation with a pharmacist
up to 9 follow-up appointments
a $100 subsidy for NRT products.
Visit their website to find a participating pharmacy near you.
Cessation Medications
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Champix (Varenicline) is an oral smoking cessation medication that targets nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while making smoking less satisfying.
Speak to your doctor to find out if Champix is right for you.
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Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a proven method that can greatly improve your odds of quitting success. NRT is available as a patch, gum, inhaler, mouth spray, and lozenge.
NRT can be purchased without a prescription from your local pharmacy, however, you should get advice from a quit coach or counsellor on how to use it effectively.
Watch the videos below to learn how to use NRT correctly.
Health Insurance Provider Plans
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Some group insurance plans will pay for smoking cessation aids as part of their benefits packages.
Contact your group health Insurance provider to see if you’re eligible for these benefits.
Hospital Programs
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CancerCare Manitoba’s free Quit Smoking Program provides support and cessation medications to help tobacco users quit.
If you are a CancerCare Manitoba patient, staff member, or if your family member is a CancerCare Manitoba patient or staff member, you may be eligible for the CancerCare Manitoba Quit Smoking Program.
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Many Hospitals around the province offer Nicotine Replacement Therapy to in-patients at the hospital.
Patients who are smokers should ask their attending Health Professionals if these products are available to them.
Indigenous
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The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits that are not covered through other:
social programs
private insurance plans
provincial or territorial health insurance
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Talk Tobacco provides free and confidential services offering culturally tailored support and information about quitting smoking or vaping designed with input and guidance from First Nation, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous leaders, partners, community members and health care providers.
LGBTTQIA+
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Our Own Health Centre offers smoking cessation with a clinical pharmacist.
Note: A referral for this must come from an OOHC doctor. For patients without insurance or who cannot afford this service, the OOHC charity can pay for smoking cessation sessions.
Quit to Win
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Online challenge to quit smoking for one month, with weekly prizes and multiple grand prizes to be won.
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Quit smoking for the first 7 days of the month and you could win $500! Why is the first week so important? Because if you are successful for the first week, you’re 9x more likely to quit for good.
Virtual Programs
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Commit to Quit is a virtual smoking cessation group program designed for adults, sponsored by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
A trained facilitator assists participants to learn skills and techniques to be smoke-free.
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Smokers' Helpline is a free, confidential phone and online service operated by the Canadian Cancer Society offering support and information about quitting smoking, vaping and tobacco use.
Have you talked to your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist?
These health professionals can offer helpful advice and information about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) & other stop-smoking medications.