There has been a 30% increase in the number of teenage smokers in Alberta in 2005, when in comparison to 2004. The low priced cigarettes brands like Peter Jackson and Number 7 are being blamed for this by anti-smoking campaigners. The young adult group is being particularly targeted by the tobacco firms, according to the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for this state of affairs.
As many as 21% of the people of Alberta who belong to the age group of 15 years to 19 years have taken to smoking, according to the Health Canada statistics’ 2005 records. Action on Smoking and Health has called for a raise in the tax imposed on tobacco products, to prevent the habit from gaining further ground. Public education with regard to smoking, and quit-smoking help lines are also seen to be a necessity.Many youngsters feel that an increase in the price of cigarettes will help them give up the habit. There was already a decline in teen smoking in 2002 when the prices of tobacco products were hiked. There is already a law in force in the province which bans smoking at places where minors are permitted. North Carolina on the other hand has succeeded in combating the teen smoking menace. The anti-tobacco measures in North Carolina have also received abundant funding like $15 million for the year 2004-2005.
