Smoking Tobacco

Tobacco use is connected to several serious health issues and is a leading cause of preventable death. 

Thinking about quitting, but not quite ready yet?

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

  • Call your primary care provider to see if they offer a quit smoking program. You can sign up and talk with someone about where you are  in your journey and learn more about what is available to help you quit, even if you’re just thinking about it right now!
  • Contact Health811 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 is the best thing you can do for your health. It can be difficult but you don't have to do it alone. Below are some resources and supports that can help.

Stop smoking programs

Check with your primary care provider

  • 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 10 weeks of treatment, mailed to your address. 
  • Find more information or join STOP on the Net online. 

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

Health811

  • 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 8-1-1 and follow the prompts for 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

Talk Tobacco

  • Free Indigenous quit smoking and vaping support service to help you quit
  • Call 1-833-998-8255 (TALK) for phone support
  • Text CHANGE to 123456 for texting support
  • Visit www.talktobacco.ca for information on the online community of support and live chat 

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 air free from second-hand smoke and vapour.

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.