This program is available to all Canadians, and does not require that you have insurance through Sun Life. Anyone, regardless of coverage, can sign up for the program.
Commit to the quit – we can help.
Introducing Sun Life’s new Can Quit program, in collaboration with the Ottawa Heart Institute (OHI). Now you and your loved ones have convenient, virtual access to a dedicated quit smoking program for individuals who smoke cigarettes or vape – at no cost.
Quitting smoking is never easy.
As soon as you stop smoking, you start to feel better.4
No matter how you get there, becoming smoke-free can significantly reduce health risks, alleviate financial stress, and improve your well-being.
Give yourself the best chance to succeed.
24 hours after quitting
Your risk of having a heart attack starts to drop.
14 days after quitting
The airways in your lungs relax and you can breathe easier.
1 year after quitting
Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half than that of someone who smokes.
Quitting smoking is personal – get the support that’s right for you.
Access a personalized 6-month coaching program – at no cost
- Learn how to manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings and other common challenges.
- Monitor your progress, symptoms, and refine your plan with follow-up appointments.
- Access to this program is open to all Canadians, coast-to-coast.
Virtual support from a Nicotine Dependence Coach
- A dedicated coach will support your journey during 1-on-1 sessions.
- Receive check-ins via text or phone and connect with the team for more support if needed.
Quit smoking on your terms
- Quitting isn't easy, but there are optional aids available to help you succeed.
- Receive recommendations for medications, such as nicotine replacement therapies, including gums, lozenges and patches, to help alleviate symptoms and support quitting.
Getting started is easy, and at no cost to you.
01.
Sign in or register for Online Pharmacy, provided by Pillway5, and complete the referral form.
02.
Your Nicotine Dependence Coach will contact you directly within ~1-week of enrolment.
Participants will be asked about their interest to join an optional research study to evaluate and improve the program.
03.
Complete your first session and receive check-ins for continued support.
Sun Life is proud to partner with the Ottawa Heart Institute
This program has been deployed in over 500 hospitals and clinics across Canada and focuses on implementing a systemic approach to address nicotine dependence. This may include a combination of individualized counselling, check-ins, and medication advice to help individuals become smoke free.
Frequently asked questions
The sign-up process for the Can Quit program is supported by Online Pharmacy. However you are not required to use the pharmacy unless you wish to, or decide to enroll in an additional research study.
The program is available to anyone who smokes cigarettes or vapes.
Depending on your health benefits plan, you may use your Health Spending Accounts or other Flex dollars to help cover the cost of select Nicotine Replacement Therapies.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies like gum or patches are often used in parallel with 1-on-1 coaching but are not required. You will receive the same coaching support regardless of your choice to use medications to help you quit.
No – the program does not require that you have insurance through Sun Life. Anyone, regardless of coverage can sign up for the program.
An online pharmacy, provided by Pillway, that helps you manage your medications from the comfort of home. Get free delivery, connect with a pharmacist and get support for chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, allergies, and heart health.
* Not available in Quebec.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024.
2 The National average for Canadian's who attempt to quit smoking without any program intervention is 4%. Comparably, up to 36.5% of individuals who use combination therapies such as patch and gum or spray are smoke-free within 6 months. Treating Tobacco use and Dependence, 2008 Update.
3 Canada.ca, My Reason to Quit Smoking Infographic, 2023
4 Canada.ca, Quit with confidence: Deciding to quit.
5 SHG Pharmacy Inc. and SHG West Pharmacy Inc., doing business as Pillway pharmacies, are partially owned by Simpill Health Group Inc. For your information, and as a point of disclosure, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada has partial ownership in Simpill Health Group Inc.
TM - Used under license by Simpill Health Group Inc.