Nickel Belt MPP and NDP Health Critic France Gélinas is urging the Minister of Health Promotion to reverse her decision to terminate funding to the Youth Action Alliance, a program led by youth to empower their peers to resist the tactics of tobacco marketing.

This morning in the Legislature, Gélinas raised the concerns of youth from across the province regarding the loss of this effective anti-tobacco program.

“Yesterday, my office was flooded with letters from youth who are angry and upset that this government has decided to terminate funding for this important program,” said Gélinas.

“These youth know firsthand how important the Youth Action Alliance is to their community and to anti-tobacco efforts, yet something just isn’t getting through to the McGuinty government.”

In response, Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best indicated that funding would not be continued beyond August.

“These programs require little money to do a lot of good. Without adequate prevention, Ontarians will be paying exponentially more when the time comes to deal with tobacco-related disease. This government is trying to save a penny but Ontarians will be paying dearly for these cuts,” said Gélinas, adding that tobacco-related health care costs are $1.6-billion annually and that tobacco is the leading cause of premature death and illness in Ontario.

“These youth are active, knowledgeable, energetic, and credible with their peers – they make a difference. The Minister of Health Promotion needs to guarantee the continued funding of this program so that youth across this province stay tobacco free.”