At Public Health we tackle tobacco from several fronts: we prevent people (especially youth) from starting to use tobacco; we help people quit; and we support organizations in the community (including landlords) to make their spaces smoke-free. We also enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), which restricts smoking in certain places like sports fields and schools.
Quit smoking resources
The best way to quit smoking is with help. Here’s where to find it:
Your family health team
Many family health teams in our area offer the STOP program, which includes specialized quit counselling and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Your doctor can also talk to you about prescription quit smoking medications.
STOP on the Net
STOP on the Net is a free smoking cessation program that you can complete from the safety of your home. This program is entirely online; no interventions or visits are required by a health care provider. For age 18+.
Don’t Quit Quitting
Don’t Quit Quitting wants to congratulate you on your failures! Whether it’s your first time quitting or you’ve tried before, this site is here to help you. Failing is good, it means you are trying. Don’t Quit Quitting isn’t about telling you to quit smoking, rather it’s about encouraging you to make a quit attempt. Remember, keep your chin up if you slip – it usually takes more than one try to quit smoking. Every attempt brings you one step closer to quitting for good. Find help and support at DontQuitQuitting.ca.
Smokers’ Helpline
Smokers’ Helpline offers online resources and a texting program for people looking to quit smoking, vaping or both. To join the Smokers’ Helpline text program – text ‘iQuit’ to 123456.
Health Connect Ontario
Health Connect Ontario has free phone support available to help you quit smoking. Call 1-866-797-0000 (toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007).
Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) Community Program for Ontario
This program provides smoking cessation treatment and support to individuals who are not currently enrolled with a healthcare provider or cannot easily access smoking cessation treatment and support.
Indigenous tobacco and vaping resources
Talk Tobacco offers free phone, text and online support for First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and urban Indigenous communities.
Cancer Care Ontario works with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to create Tobacco-Wise messaging. Being a Tobacco-Wise person, family or community means recognizing the difference between traditional and commercial tobacco, and being empowered to make the necessary choices to protect not only your own well-being but also that of your friends and loved ones.
Quit smoking tips
- List the reasons why you want to quit
- Understand why you smoke
- Become aware of your triggers
- Start taking small steps to deal with triggers
- Set a quit date
- Talk to your healthcare provider about quit smoking options