Smoking Tobacco

Tobacco use is connected to a variety of serious health issues and is the leading cause of preventable death in North America. 

Thinking about quitting, but not quite ready yet?

Amazing. This is a great time to reach out for some support!

  • Call your healthcare provider’s office to see if they offer a quit smoking program. You can sign up and talk with someone about where you are at in your journey and learn more about what is available to help you quit, even if you’re just thinking about it right now!
  • Call Health Connect Ontario (formerly Telehealth) at 811 and start chatting with a quit coach. They can help you find resources and talk about where you are at, even if you aren’t ready to quit just yet.

Ready to stop smoking?

Quitting smoking can be difficult. You don't have to do it alone. Below are some resources and supports that can help.

Stop smoking programs

Check at your healthcare provider’s office

  • Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about supports available through their office. You can call the office and ask at reception if they have a stop smoking program.
  • Many programs provide counselling support and free nicotine replacement therapy. Always check with your provider first – as their program might offer a longer amount of nicotine replacement therapy support.

Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation - Community Program 

  • For individuals who do not have access to, or cannot easily easily access, smoking cessation treatment and supports through their healthcare provider
    • You may receive up to 6 weeks' supply of free nicotine replacement therapy in the mail.
    • You don’t have to live in Ottawa to access this program.
    • To register, call 1-888-645-5405 and leave your contact information on the voicemail; a staff member will call you back.
    • Visit the OMSC Community Program website for more information.

STOP on the Net

  • STOP on the Net is an online program to help adults aged 18 and older quit smoking cigarettes. Eligible participants ​receive free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches and gum/lozenges for 8 weeks of treatment, mailed to your address. 
  • You can register online and find more information here.

The more support the better! If you are receiving support from any of the programs above, we encourage you to also check out the free over-the-phone and texting supports listed below. Checking in with a quit coach is a great way to learn tips and get help along the way.

Prescription Medication

There are prescription medications for quitting smoking. Speak with your healthcare provider or your pharmacist about these options; they can help you decide what the best options are based on factors such as your health. 

Over-the-phone and texting support

Health Connect Ontario (previously Telehealth)

  • Offers a smoking cessation program where you can speak with a quit coach over the phone. 
  • You can set up follow-up calls with the same quit coach
  • You can call any time, 24/7
  • Call 811 and follow the prompts for the smoking cessation 

Smokers' helpline 

  • Provides online and texting support
  • Visit www.smokershelpline.ca to join the online discussion forum, online chat, or find resources
  • Text iQuit to 123456 for texting support

Phone apps

My Change Plan

  • Download the app on your phone to track your cravings, cigarettes smoked, time smoke-free, goals, money saved, and more!
  • This phone app was created by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and has some great tips, tools, and information.
  • You can also download a workbook PDF version here.

QUASH App

  • This is a judgement-free app to help you quit smoking and/or vaping.
  • Download the app to create a quit plan, get tips, track cravings and progress, and more!

Second-hand smoke

Second-hand smoke comes from burning tobacco products and from exhaled tobacco smoke. It can create serious health risks. Reduce second-hand smoke and second-hand vapour by making your home and vehicle smoke-free and vape-free environments. 

There are laws and regulations that protect your right to smoke-free air.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act outlines where you can and can't smoke or vape in Ontario. Check your local municipal bylaws to see if there are any additional smoking or vaping regulations in your community.

To obtain No Smoking and No Vaping signs required by law, contact us .

Report a complaint

To report a complaint, contact us. All complaints are kept confidential.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act , which covers both smoking and vaping, is enforced by Tobacco Enforcement Officers at HPPH. The officers conduct inspections of public places and workplaces to ensure compliance with the law, respond to complaints about offences, and lay charges when necessary.