Nunavut smokers who quit in March could win big

Nunavummiut who quit smoking during the month of March will be eligible for $40,000 worth of prizes as part of the Nunavut government's second annual Time to Quitcontest.

CBC North reporter Nick Murray asked people what they think about think about the campaign and the prize money.

"If I was still smoking I'd definitely consider quitting for $40,000," said Ebony Rutko.

Adam Laforet had a different opinion.

"You need to quit because you want to," he said. "And anybody who would want to quit probably wouldn't quit because of the prizes."

The grand prize is $5,000 in traveland the runner-up prize is an iPad Air, valued at over $500. Last year there were two grand prize winners and six second prize winners from across the territory.

As an extra incentive to help smokers quit, theterritorial government is giving contestants a free two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy.

Aspiring quitters can register for the campaign at www.nuquits.ca or their local health centre before March 1.