January 17 to 23 is National Non-Smoking Week across Canada, and B.C. leads the way on a number of fronts in helping to keep the province smoke-free. "Government is committed to helping British Columbians achieve their best health possible, which is why we're involved in a number of healthy living initiatives, including our strong support for the smoke-free Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport. When visitors come to B.C. to be part of the Olympic and Paralympic celebrations, they'll notice: * Tobacco is not promoted to youth in stores. * All school grounds are tobacco-free. * Indoor public and work spaces such as restaurants are smoke-free. Participants and visitors to the games will also be able to enjoy smoke-free environments in the following areas: * All indoor areas and outdoor seating sites. * All line-up areas. * Break areas for workers. * Catering areas and living quarters in the Athletes' Village. * Transportation connected to the Olympic and Paralympic celebrations. According to the 2008 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey, B.C. currently has the lowest smoking rate in Canada.