World No Tobacco Day

Every year, on May 31, we observe World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) to acknowledge the impact that commercial tobacco* use has on individuals, families and communities around the world. This day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of the risks associated with commercial tobacco use, the harmful effects on health, the environment and our communities. It also aims to promote and advocate for effective measures to reduce commercial tobacco consumption.    

This year’s WNTD theme, Unmask the appeal – countering tobacco and nicotine addiction,’ is building on the WHO’s continued commitment to understanding industry approaches (e.g. marketing and promotion) and advancing policies to protect communities from nicotine addiction. The campaign focuses on how the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to adapt its products and marketing approaches, including efforts to appeal to new audiences, particularly young people, while navigating existing tobacco control measures in different jurisdictions. Specifically highlighting the industry’s use of synthetic nicotine, flavours, packaging and digital marketing to target young people.

An example of how the commercial tobacco and nicotine industries continue to evolve their product offerings and marketing approaches is the introduction of nicotine pouches and the broader increase in the availability and use of alternative nicotine products. In Ontario, 15.6% individuals aged 18 to 29 reported use of nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouch use was highest among this age group compared to those 30 years of age and older, as well as, more commonly reported by males compared to females.         
Building awareness is an important step in helping individuals, families, and communities better understand tobacco and nicotine use, emerging products, and the factors that influence uptake—particularly among young people. Increased awareness supports informed decision‑making, strengthens prevention efforts, and helps create environments that support healthier choices.

World No Tobacco Day provides an opportunity for communities, organizations, and individuals to learn more, reflect on local impacts, and take part in activities that promote education, prevention, and collective action related to commercial tobacco and nicotine use.

*It is important to recognize that commercial tobacco does not include traditional tobacco used by Indigenous people. Traditional or sacred tobacco differs from commercial tobacco both in the way that it is harvest and the way it is used in ceremony and prayer, often for healing and purifying. Traditional tobacco is an important part of wellbeing for many Indigenous people.

How you can get involved in World No Tobacco Day:

Attend a webinar:

• The Centre of Addiction and Mental: Health Youth Nicotine Vaping: Clinical Updates & Research Advances

Listen to a webinar recording:

• PHO Webinar: Smoking Cessation and Concurrent Alcohol and/or Substance Use
• PHO Webinar: Engaging Policymakers on the Commercial Determinants of Health: Lessons from Global Tobacco Control 

Explore tools and resources:

• Not an Experiment (NAE): A resource for youth, educators and parents aimed to prevent the initiation and escalation of vaping among youth in grades 7 to 12. Also has information and resources on mental health and cannabis.
• Canada’s Lower Risk Nicotine Use Guidelines – An Update: A resource to help guide decision making for people living in Canada who use nicotine

Quitting Supports:

• Brief Conversations Toolkit: Information and resources to help adult allies talk to youth who vape and support behaviour change.
• Don’t Quit Quitting: An online tool for Ontario adults who want to quit smoking or vaping, with easy-to-understand information and supports to help people quit for good.
• Smokers' Helpline: Free and confidential service that offers support and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. Contact Health811 by calling 811 or 1-866-797-0007 or Text IQUIT to 123456.
• Talk Tobacco: is a free confidential service offering culturally inclusive and accessible support about quitting or reducing smoking, vaping and commercial tobacco use to First Nations, Inuit, Metis and urban Indigenous communities. Supports can be provided in in English, French and 24 Indigenous languages by:

• Phone: 1 833 998-TALK (8255)
• Text: Text CHANGE to 123456
• Online: Live Chat and Online Community Support