Canada
In Canada, most provinces and many territories have enacted smokefree workplace laws. This is of no surprise, as a 2006 Ipsos Reid Survey found that 94 percent of Canadians support smokefree environments.
Alberta: As of January 2008, smoking is prohibited in public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos, as well as on patios and within 5 meters of doorways. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
British Columbia: Smoking is prohibited in public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos, as well as within 3 meters of doorways, as of March 31, 2008. As of April 2009, smoking is prohibited in vehicles when passengers under age 16 are present. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
Manitoba: As of October 1, 2004, all public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, bingo and bowling facilities, and casinos are 100% smokefree. Local municipalities also have the right to enact smokefree air regulations.
Newfoundland and Labrador: As of July 1, 2005, all hospitality establishments are 100% smokefree, smoking rooms are still allowed in workplaces not open to the public. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
New Brunswick: As of June 30, 2004, smoking is prohibited in all workplaces, including restaurants, bars, bingo and bowling facilities, and casinos.
Northwest Territories: As of May 1, 2004, all public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, bingo and bowling facilities, and casinos are 100% smokefree. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia's workplaces and public places, including restaurants, bars, and casinos are 100% smokefree as of December 1, 2006. In addition, smoking is prohibited on all outdoor patios and within 4 meters of entrances. As of April 2008, smoking is prohibited in vehicles when passengers under age 19 are present. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
Nunavut: As of February 1, 2004, all public places, workplaces, bingo and bowling facilities, and casinos are 100% smokefree. As of February 1, 2006, all restaurants and bars will be 100% smokefree. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
Ontario: As of May 31, 2006, all workplaces and public places, including bars, restaurants, and casinos are 100% smokefree under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations. As of January 2009, smoking is prohibited in vehicles when passengers under age 16 are present.
Prince Edward Island: Smoking is allowed in separately
enclosed and ventilated rooms in public places and workplaces. Smoking is prohibited
in bowling facilities. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger
smokefree air regulations.
Quebec:
All public places in Quebec, including restaurants, bars, brasseries, taverns
and bingo halls, are smokefree as of May 30, 2008. Local municipalities have
the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
Saskatchewan: As of January 1, 2005, all public places, including restaurants, bars, bingo and bowling facilities, and casinos are 100% smokefree. In May 2009, amendments went into effect to prohibit smoking in all enclosed places of employment. Local municipalities also have the right to enact smokefree air regulations.
Yukon: As of May 2008, all public places, workplaces, bingo and bowling
facilities, and casinos are 100% smokefree. The law also prohibits smoking on
bar and restaurant patios, near doorways and windows of smokefree buildings,
and in vehicles when passengers under age 18 are present. Local municipalities
have the right to enact stronger smokefree air regulations.
The Canadian Public Health Association resolved to hold its conventions in
100% smokefree jurisdictions, starting with its 2006 conference.
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Smokefree & Related News
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Ban
on smoking could go city-wide Calgary
on the verge of banning smoking at outdoor recreation areas Councillor
looking to squash public smoking Alberta
pushing shisha smoking ban Petition
aims to push politicians to support smoking ban Lakeshore
gearing up for outdoor smoking ban Group
pushes for harsher tobacco restrictions Health
department urging residents to butt out in parks On World No Tobacco Day May 31, The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association
will begin implementation of its new smoke-free multi-unit dwelling
policy. Present tenants at Suomi Eesti Maja and Kotitalo will be grandfathered
in and allowed to continue smoking NDP
expands ban on sale of tobacco products Durley
concerned smoking bylaw could harm concert attendance Condo.ca:
Six-Story Wooden Residential Buildings will Line ... Council
quashes smoking ban Rodeo
"SWAP to STOP" sets up trading post to reduce tobacco use Leading health organizations are joining forces for a second year to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle at various rodeos across Alberta this summer and encouraging rodeo goers to "SWAP to STOP" tobacco use. Beginning on May 29, 2013 at the Grande Prairie Stompede, the SWAP to STOP campaign will invite rodeo athletes and attendees to swap their cigarettes and smokeless tobacco for NICORETTE® gum and start going tobacco-free. ... Smoking
ban sought at Sparks Street mall Nominations
open for tobacco-free awards A proposed ban on smoking in all public places including parks, playgrounds
and wilderness areas in the Capital Regional District was defeated by
a 12-11 vote ... It's
a hospital; you can't smoke Thunder
Bay hospital to crack down on smoking Smoking
banned in city parks as of May 1 - Northern Life Council
to vote on outdoor smoking ban Students
Want Smoke Free Spaces Greater
Victoria politicians a step closer to banning smoking in parks, on beaches Capital Regional District directors are a step closer to snuffing out smoking in some outdoor public spaces, including on beaches and in parks. … Unlike when it implemented its Clean Air bylaw in 1999, restricting smoking in restaurants and businesses, the CRD would not be a leader if it extends the ban to ...
Leamington
plans public meeting on outdoor smoking ban Leamington council is considering a smoking ban in a number of outdoor
public ... a by-law that bans smoking around sports and recreation areas
in the town. Public
input sought on patio smoking ban Quebec
says province's jails are going smoke-free Smoking
ban exemption for First Nations - First Perspective Huron
County considers outdoor smoking ban Huron County considers outdoor smoking ban ... will be doing the 'right thing' to protect their children by banning smoking in outdoor public spaces, says Coun. … Okoli, C.T.; Pederson, A.; Rice, W., "Support for a smoke-free bylaw in parks and on beaches," Health Policy [Epub ahead of print], April 17, 2013. In September 2010, Vancouver, Canada enacted a smoke-free bylaw in parks and on beaches. ... Approximately 84.2% of the sample endorsed the legislation; a greater proportion of non-smokers supported the bylaw than smokers (88.6% vs. 52.0%). ... These findings suggest strong public support in Vancouver for the smoke-free bylaw in parks and on beaches. Jurisdictions considering such legislation should address attitudes which can promote or hinder its adoption. Examination of such policy support on diverse groups within the population may enhance the development of equitable public health policy.
It's
official: butt out at playgrounds and parks “Oakville is proud to join more than 70 other Ontario municipalities that have passed local bylaws to prohibit or restrict smoking in and around public areas,” said ... City
eyes smoking ban for parks
Smoking slashes a home's resale value by nearly 30%: survey Calgary
looking to copy Medicine Hat Smoking ban New
law bans public smoking in Medicine Hat Grand
River Hospital's smoking ban the right move Total
ban on smoking at recreational facilities effective May 1 Ottawa
celebrates one year of expanded smoke-free spaces and ... Grand
River Hospital going tobacco-free on April 2 Ottawa's
misguided approach to e-cigarettes Iqaluit's
Toonik Tyme goes smoke-free Public
backs smoking ban: survey West
Lincoln applauds smoking ban Smoking
ban passes first reading City
eyes patio smoking ban Stop
smoking near non-smokers Niagara
council sends staff back to drawing board on anti-smoking ... Butts
banned at the beach Butt
out on beaches Fort
Erie discusses implications of smoking ban Aquatic
and community centres going smoke-free Health
Canada's E-Cig restrictions deserve to go up in smoke Expanded
smoking bans being prepared Ottawa
Bluesfest to go smoke free Smoking
banned outside Surrey hospitals End
gambling … and smoking, and drinking Bylaw
to expand smoking ban in Mississauga Wong, S.L.; Malaison, E.; Hammond, D.; Leatherdale, S.T., "Secondhand
smoke exposure among Canadians: cotinine and self-report: measures from
the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007-2009," Nicotine
and Tobacco Research 15(3): 693-700, March 2013. Conclusions: Despite well-known health risks associated
with exposure to tobacco smoke, a substantial proportion of the Canadian
population continues to be exposed to SHS. Higher percentages of certain
subpopulations had detectable cotinine concentrations, including children,
adolescents, and those exposed to SHS in the home. Peel
council passes bylaw to reduce second-hand smoke Thorold
looking at smoke-free outdoor spaces bylaw One
more hotel goes smoke-free Smokers
must butt out in Sudbury parks City
councillors to consider smoking ban Peel
Health to table smoking ban Niagara
Region's New Outdoor Smoking Ban Continue
toward a smoke-free outdoors Smoke-free
or not? Support
smoke free spaces B.C.
must butt out Smoking
in Sudbury parks fires up councillor ROGERS:
Local e-cigarette use sparks health concerns Until more is known about the potential risks, the safe play is to say no to electronic cigarettes. If you’re looking for help to stop smoking, please talk to a health professional about smoking cessation programs which are safe and effective. National
Non-smoking Week: Let's protect our children against second-hand smoke ...the Quebec Lung Association, the Association of Pediatricians of Quebec and the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control are joining their voices to call on the Marois government to ban smoking in cars when kids are present - as is already the ccase in nine ... Smoking
ban called for In Coquitlam, smoking is banned at parks, commercial buildings and ... PoCo bans smoking in common public places, commercial establishments and bus stops ... Canadian
Cancer Society urges province-wide outdoor smoking ban Parks said studies have shown that outdoor smoking bans can increase motivation ... have all banned smoking on patios as well as other outdoor public spaces. Brookvale
to go smoke free in 2014 ...And while much of the facility is already smoke free, we decided that we should take that a step further by banning smoking anywhere on the property much like ... Anti-smoking
champ lauded for work ...Receiving the market rent subsidy only confirms there continues to be a real shortage of smoke-free, social housing available to others like me who live on ... Anti-smoking
champ lauded for work Receiving the market rent subsidy only confirms there continues to
be a real shortage of smoke-free, social housing available to others
like me who live on ... Pressure
is on to butt out Broader
Smoking Ban Called For In BC LETTER:
Bike-repair station not for smoking Change
Is In The Air - Health Unit Promotes Importance of Smoke ... Smoking
Ban Dead Trent
Hills preparing tobacco-free recreation spaces Support
found lacking for smoke ban in city housing Trent
Hills preparing tobacco-free rec spaces Smoking
bylaw to be changed at Surrey Memorial Smoke-Free
Bylaw Enforced at St Joseph's General Hospital Elliot ... Town
considers expanding smoke-free bylaw It's
time to end tobacco sales in pharmacies Tobacco
reduction strategy could be tougher CBRM
studying outdoor smoking ban Region
Proposes Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces Bylaw Health
unit will try locals for outdoor smoking bans LETTER:
Why allow smoking on hospital property? Smoking
in Sudbury parks could be snuffed out Toronto
right to ban public smoking Holy
smoke! Ban likely on patio smoking soon too Toronto
considering expanded smoking ban; public consultations ... Toronto
health board to consider expanded smoking bylaw Toronto
hookah establishments under scanner for health concerns Toronto
wants to clamp down on hookah lounges Board
of health to consider extending smoking ban to more outdoor areas New
Smoking Bylaw Up for Debate and Vote The new bylaw that could see more strict smoking bans in the city will be debated ... looking at implementing the bylaw that would ban smoking 9 meters from entrances ... Usher says he wanted to see it banned in parks, such as Victoria Park, ...
Smoking
ban at parks considered in Lakeshore Smoking ban at parks considered in Lakeshore ... A new smoking bylaw
designed to filter smokers from parks and recreation areas is in the
works in the Town of ... Whitby
mother wants smokers to butt out in outdoor play areas Strengthened
anti-smoking bylaw passes hurdle Smoking
Bylaw Public Meeting Held Tonight Residential
tower passes non-smoking bylaw Burned
for smoking on school property Residents
weigh in on proposed smoking ban Over a year ago now, a senior citizen complained to the Western Regional Housing Authority about a neighbour smoking in a seniors’ complex smoking. Since she has asthma, one can hardly blame Margaret MacNeil. The 79-year-old said, one recent morning at 6:30 a.m. she had to call 911 because of second-hand smoke. The RCMP confirmed smoke in the apartment building was causing an asthma attack. EHS was called to assist MacNeil with her breathing. She has had to leave her apartment on three occasions due to deteriorating breathing, but the smoking goes on. ... Hospitals
going smoke-free Lambton County has endorsed a bylaw that would ban outdoor smoking ... The original would have also banned smoking on beaches, golf courses and patios. A
ban on smoking dogs! Council contemplates new bylaws for a ... Council
fails to clear the air Outdoor
smoking ban fails to ignite Victoria
Bylaw Loophole Opens Door For Hookah Pipes Seniors
fuming over indoor smoking ban Lumby
takes cautious approach with smoking ban Smoking
on the Hub trail. Okay but please don`t - pretty please No
smoking in Grande Prairie playgrounds Trent
Hills to ban smoking at outdoor recreational facilities Northumberland News | Trent Hills to ban smoking at outdoor recreational
facilities. ... 1, smokers will be banned from lighting up within nine
metres of any public skatepark, ... Ninety-six per cent of the respondents
supported banning smoking near ... Mr. Rutter said outdoor smoking bans
are "becoming more and more ... Tobacco-free
policy now official in South Dundas Beach
smoking ban sparks defiance Despite a strict outdoor smoking ban that kicked in Monday, smokers
still defiantly decided to light up on city beaches. … Smoke-Free
Enforcement Starts Today This is a release from the City of Ottawa: Beginning July 2, following
a three-month education phase, the City of Ottawa's new, expanded smoke-free
regulations ... Smoke-free
living catches on in Barrie BARRIE - Barrie Municipal Non-Profit Housing (BNPHC) is going smoke-free.
… OTTAWA - As of July 2, the city's expanded smoke-free regulations will
be in full effect following a three-month education period. … Georgina
smoking ban in effect in October The outdoor smoking ban will become law Oct. 9. ... But proponents
of outdoor smoke bans have said voluntary compliance is often a key
component to success. … City council paved the way for a ban on smoking water-pipes and non-tobacco
products on municipal properties by amending the wording of a new bylaw.
… City council will have a look at a proposed Smoke Free Parks bylaw
that, once approved, will level $250 fines for those who light up within
10-metres of a ... When warnings over the last several weeks failed to convince people
at baseball games to stop smoking, Peterborough County-City Health Unit
laid the first two charges under the city’s smoking ban in city
parks, a health unit’s tobacco enforcement officer said Wednesday.
… The last phase of the ban was implemented on May 1, making smoking
prohibited ... Many communities implementing similar restrictions or
bans on smoking in ... The City of Edmonton approved in April a bylaw that bans smoking at
playgrounds, sports fields and outdoor facilities frequented by children.
That ban has given ... Hookahs
added to Ottawa smoking ban OTTAWA - A ban on smoking of water pipes and "non-tobacco" products at city parks, ... Hanover
Rejects Smoking Bylaw Hanover Council voted 4-2 in rejecting the Grey Bruce Health Unit's
Smoke Free Outdoor Spaces bylaw. Only Councillors Ed King and Peter
Hambly supported ... Proposed
bylaw aims to curb hookah use The Community and Protective services committee will consider a bylaw
that will ban the smoking of “non-tobacco products” in and
around city facilities and ... The city's community and protective services committee will meet Thursday
to discuss extending the city's smoking bylaws to include the growing
phenomenon ... Quebec
files lawsuit against tobacco companies The Quebec government announced on Friday it is launching a $60 billion
lawsuit against tobacco manufacturers. ... TRURO - Users of Colchester County walking trails and playground facilities
can expect to do so smoke free. Earlier this year the municipality approved
a... Alberta
set to launch $10-billion lawsuit against big tobacco “This lawsuit is not about banning cigarettes or punishing smokers,
it is about ... the creation of a tobacco licensing system and extra
support for people who wish ... No
smoke city still needs ashtrays And when the Province banned smoking in public places, and the City
banned it at beaches and parks, Carr says public ashtrays were not added
to the areas ... ... underground if Vancouver Island municipalities ban water pipes,
people. ... the pipes are growing in popularity as people try to circumvent
smoking bans, ... Butt
ban to extend to police property City council passed bylaws for more smoke-free spaces in late March. The smoke-free regulations, which took effect last month, include municipal properties and ... Deal
with smoking before it becomes a nuisance Dear Condo Smarts: Is a non-smoking bylaw in a strata corporation enforceable?
Our strata corporation is a 24-unit apartment building in Nanaimo. We
have a ... Some
still not warming to new anti-smoking bylaw Township
restricts smoking at rec areas SOUTH DUNDAS The municipality is clearing the air at its outdoor
recreational grounds. South Dundas council accepted a draft tobacco
free policy... Kimberley City Council is about to embark on a public consultation
process that could result in a bylaw banning smoking outdoors in some
public places. … THUNDER BAY – The issue of illegal contraband tobacco is viewed
as a problem in our community. Local enforcement agencies are teaming
up to address it. This week, the Joint Agency Working Group launched
their Illegal Tobacco campaign to coincide with Police Week, May 14-18.
The goal is to educate the public about what illegal tobacco is, and
the risks of purchasing it. … Young people who remain smoke-free
throughout their youth tend to remain smoke-free as adults, which is
why protecting youth from accessing tobacco, illegal ... It's why the Cookstown resident wants the town to ban smoking in all
outdoor ... including Barrie, Essa Township and Huntsville, currently
have outdoor bans in ... Pair
handed $8K after rights denied by smoking neighbours A couple who say they became sick and anxious because neighbours were
smoking on their balconies have been awarded more than $8,000, despite
presenting only "marginal" medical evidence to the B.C. Human
Rights Tribunal. …An endocrinologist's report on the specific dangers
of secondhand smoke for ... They made their first complaint about their
neighbours' smoking a few months ... As of May 1, Hay River's Super A grocery store is no longer selling
tobacco products. No
more butts at the beach From Boundary Bay to the clothing-optional Wreck Beach, the bylaw bans
smoking in metro's 22 regional parks, with a $75 fine for those smoking
out-side a ... By Chris Simon It's why the Cookstown resident wants the town to ban smoking in all outdoor public places. So she's written a letter to council Council
passes tough anti-smoking bylaw Despite concerns it will be extremely difficult to enforce, Orangeville
Council has passed one of the most stringent anti-smoking bylaws in
the province. Effective June 1, no one will legally smoke in any lane,
municipal building, parking lot, ... which bans smoking within nine
metres of a public facility. Components of that strategy included help for those with nicotine addictions,
higher tobacco taxes, a ban on advertising tobacco products at the point
of ... The main objective of the new Edmonton bylaw is to promote healthy
smoke-free behaviour to children and adolescents and to help youth remain
tobacco-free ... Legislation
would prohibit sale of tobacco products in pharmacies New
provincial restrictions on buying cigarettes The NDP tabled a bill in the legislature Tuesday that would prohibit
tobacco sales in stores that contain pharmacies, including drugstores
and large retail ... Pharmacies and other health-care facilities are being told to butt
out of tobacco sales. Legislation introduced Tuesday would ban those
places, ... The proposed legislation would ban tobacco sales in pharmacies and
health-care ... stores for their cigarettes," said Mike Watts from
Brothers Pharmacy. WINNIPEG - Manitoba smokers may soon have fewer places to buy cigarettes.
... tabled a bill that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products in
pharmacies, … “St. Francis Memorial Hospital would like to take a proactive
approach by recognizing that by going smoke-free we help support the
health and wellness of ... By Michele Young Kamloops City council is sending a message to the
province that it wants stepped-up, consistent regulations concerning
smoking bans in all ... Hamilton
sets up more smoke-free zones You may be able to breathe a bit easier in Hamilton thanks to a new
by-law that will make parks and recreation areas smoke free at the end
of next month. … Health
unit cracks down on smoking in cabs These complaints come on the heels of three charges of smoking in taxis
in Northumberland County made under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which
came into ... As Orangeville council heard on Monday night (April 23), sidewalks
are just one loophole in the town's proposed smoking ban scheduled to
come into effect ... By KELLY PEDRO, The London Free Press Graham Pollett, who introduced
strict smoking bylaws and the DineSafe program to London, is retiring.
… No smoking sign. Beginning May 1, smoking will be banned in all City
of ... Peterborough began banning smoking from various public spaces
in 2010, ... Smoke-free
apartment will be first for Kitchener Drewlo Holdings is building Kitchener's first non-smoking rental ...
Drewlo built southern Ontario's first non-smoking apartment building
in London. … Health
groups condemn cuts to anti-smoking program in federal budget OTTAWA - National health groups are condemning the Harper government
and Health Minister Leonna Aglukkaq for cuts to a federal non-smoking
program. Melodie Tilson, from the Non-Smokers Rights Association, says
the cuts give ... Tilson is one of several public health experts and
non-smoking advocates who ... The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario
Division applaud the introduction of legislation to eliminate the sale
of flavoured tobacco products. … The Private Members' Bill, introduced
today by Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, will strengthen existing
regulations in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act that will ... The bylaw adds to an existing smoking ban enacted last year that forbids
lighting ... it one of the most comprehensive outdoor smoking bans in
the province. … ... Pine View Golf Course will decide in May whether to buy into the
city's expansion of the anti-smoking bylaw to, in this case, ban smoking
on the links. Outdoor
smoking risk to others Re: Critics cloud Georgina's outdoor smoke ban, March 29. ... conducted
by Statistics Canada has demonstrated that when smoking bans have been
implemented, ... An anti-smoking group is encouraging the Calgary Stampede to force
people to stomp-out their cigarettes throughout the park. Smoking is
already banned at ... By Julie Valdrez The council of Chatsworth Township has supported a motion to restrict smoking in most public areas, but the mayor says the town will rely ... No
Smoking at Library Branches Annual
Report Card on Cancer in Canada™ Calls for Greater ... Earlier screening mammography for women in their 40s would save hundreds of lives, as would banning smoking in multiunit housing. Kenora
hospital hopes to snuff out smoking on property He noted that at some point in the future, the hospital will ban smoking ... the Health Sciences Centre has a property-wide smoking ban, but patients and ... Law
will ban smoking in cars with kids Smoking in vehicles with children will soon be illegal in Alberta as
the Liberal party bill was passed in the legislature March 19. Tobacco
executive admits involvement in destruction of research documents A Montreal lawyer who was a top executive for Imperial Tobacco Ltd.
in the 1980s and 90s has admitted in a major Canadian tobacco trial
that he helped destroy dozens of company research documents, some of
which dated back decades and spelled out health risks associated with
smoking. … Alex Lewis of the Bells Corners BIA says one local restaurant recently
spent $40000 to transform its patio into separate smoking and non-smoking
sections. … Smoke-free outdoor spaces are, therefore, an important component of
positive ... Smoke-free environments have been proven to help people
achieve their goal ... An
imperfect anti-smoking bylaw The public-health aspirations of the city's expanded non-smoking bylaw
are laudable, particularly for bar staffers who are subjected to secondhand
smoke ... Elected officials struggled with striking the right balance between
smokers and non-smokers when it comes to public parks. Coun. Chris Cummings
asked to see ... Next Monday, April 2, marks the official beginning of the City of Ottawa's
expanded smoke-free regulations that will prohibit smoking on all municipal
... Other municipalities have done "bits and pieces" of what
Ottawa's expanded smoke-free bylaw covers, said the city's chief medical
officer of health Dr. Isra ... U
of A smokers could face new restrictions NAIT has been a completely smoke-free campus since 2009, while Grant
MacEwan University implemented designated areas in 2006. It remains
to be seen whether ... Georgina's sweeping outdoor smoking ban did not pass as expected Monday
and has critics charging it is intrusive, butts out freedom of choice
and is an ... Effective April 1, the Parkland's health provider will implement a smoke-free grounds policy, including parking lots and vehicles on the premises. … Dakota
Tipi hosts health and wellness fair Residents of Dakota Tipi First Nation got a chance to learn more about
their health and see some inspiring works of art at the same time during
the 7th annual Health & Wellness Winter Fair held at the Dakota
Tipi Gaming Centre, Wednesday. … Car
smoke ban bill passes In a rare moment of partisan agreement prior to the provincial election,
Alberta MLAs have approved an opposition bill that will make it illegal
to smoke in vehicles when children are present. … ... time to simultaneously bring in a variety of other tobacco-reduction
measures. ... products that appeal to minors, and a crackdown on sales
to minors. … Ottawa's expanded smoke free regulations will ban smoking on all bar
and restaurant patios, and prohibit smoking on all municipal properties,
... With the City of Ottawa's expanded smoke-free regulations coming into
effect on April 2, the City is working to ensure residents, businesses
and other ... City
doesn't need playground smoking ban Re: "Diotte lone holdout against playground smoking ban,"
The Journal, March 15. It is hard enough to swallow a pro-posed 5.4-per-cent
property tax hike, ... What do you think about the coming playground smoking ban? -31%: Long
overdue. -15%: Sounds hard to enforce. - 28%: Seems like common sense;
... When Alcan Aluminum Ltd. became one of the first companies to institute
a workplace ban on smoking in 1980, Imperial Tobacco launched a campaign
to convince ... NS
town's attempt to ban smoking on its Main Street fails ANTIGONISH, NS Town council in Antigonish, NS, has defeated a
proposed bylaw that would have prohibited smoking on the community's
Main Street. With the majority of people now non-smokers or former smokers, ...
It chose the seniors complex at 33 Brooks St. its first non-smoking
building, ... A ten metre non-smoking buffer zone will be put in place to make sure
smokers aren't close to where its expected kids will be. "It's
every councillors right ... "Tobacco-free outdoor spaces are an important part of this strategy,"
she told the ... A 2009 survey in Grey-Bruce indicates residents support
tobaccofree ... Hospitals in northern Ontario have all moved to make sites smoke-free.
But the hospital in Sudbury is still working toward completely banning
smoking from ... A smoking ban at Edmonton play-grounds and sports fields was delayed
three weeks Wednesday after Coun. Kerry Diotte used a technical procedure
to block ... Outdoor
smoking bans could be headed to GTA in city-owned areas Enjoying a smoke may be coming to an end. Georgina, Ottawa and Hamilton
are leading the way, pushing smoking bans to the great outdoors. And
the same ban ... Public
education focus for proposed butt ban The new rules are amendments to Edmonton's public places bylaw, adding
playgrounds, spray parks, skate parks and more to non-smoking list.
The fine. … A proposed ban on smoking near playgrounds and sports fields passed
another ... If smoking near children's outdoor spaces is banned, the
city would also ... Smoking Ban Smoking near a war memorial would contravene the city's
bylaw if ... Councillors still support a looming smoking ban in city
parks and outdoor ... I
just want to breathe Ottawa
city council passes expanded smoke-free bylaw City council voted 22-2 to expand the smoke-free bylaw to include municipal
properties, such as parks and beaches, and all bar and restaurant patios
on ... "Smoke free bylaws set a community standard and support the process of changing social norms around tobacco use affecting children by protecting children ... Tobacco-free
carnival planned Saturday at ski hill The health unit promotes tobacco-free sport and recreation because
it protects children from second-hand smoke, reduces litter and allows
everyone to enjoy ... And the sale of tobacco in pharmacies is contrary to the health professional
role pharmacists play in society. British Columbia is in the small minority
of ... Smoking
ban called 'discrimination' By STEVE PETTIBONE THE RECORDER AND TIMES SMITHS FALLS -- Some residents
who turned up to Wednesday night's Smoke-Free Communities public meeting
in Smiths ... Web
Poll City
Council Approves Expanded Smoking Ban City Councilors voted to expand smoke-free regulations, which are part of a long-term strategy designed to protect children and non-smokers from second-hand ... Concord
council approves public smoking ban Where
to draw the line on public smoking? The controversial Smoke-Free Communities public meeting starts at 7
pm tomorrow at the Memorial Centre Community Hall, to gain community
input for a ... ... McCarroll, St. Vincent and Beautiful Joe Parks are all listed as
smoke-free facilities under a new policy council approved in committee
Monday. No
more smoking on hospital grounds "We now know the harmful effects of smoking, causing cancer and
many other ... which banned smoking a long time ago, although that wasn't
always the case. ... And while Director of Community Services, Catherine Purcell, concedes
that the municipality lacks the resources to enforce an all-out ban
on smoking at its ... Smoking
ban set for Orangeville's town property By DAN PELTON Staff Reporter Smoking will be prohibited on all townowned
property, following a vote by Orangeville Town Council at its public
meeting Monday ... ... McCarroll, St. Vincent and Beautiful Joe Parks are all listed as
smoke-free facilities under a new policy council approved in committee
Monday. The popularity of voluntary smoke-free signs in parks is growing, and
the proposed bylaw expansion reflects that public desire for more smoke-free
spaces, ... Smoking at vendor stalls at city markets would be banned under a proposed ... on Wednesday as their own proposed new smoking ban cleared another hurdle. City
could be out of luck on herbal hookah ban City councillors told staff Wednesday to look into how to ban the smoking of water pipes better known as shisha or hookah pipes on city land. Smoking
In Vehicle Issue Resurfaces Alberta Liberal Leader Raj Sherman has introduced a private members bill that would make it an offense to smoke in a vehicle with an underage person. Local
bar owners butt heads over butting out A proposal to ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios is proving controversial
not just among smoking and non-smoking patrons but also among
bar owners ... Cote-St-Luc
bans smoking in public parks MONTREAL Cote-St-Luc city council voted unanimously to ban smoking
in and ... Smoking will also be banned during special events like Canada
Day fireworks. Smoking ban could hit city parks, not patios London Community News - February 14, 2012 By Sean Meyer/London Community News London councillors are prepared
to recommend changes to the city's policy regarding smoking in public
spaces, ... ... to have administrators report back on banning smoking at sports
fields, ... when smoking was banned in workplaces out of an expanded
smoking ban. Its call for a ban at all bar and restaurant patios drew a quick rebuke,
with Coun. ... "If you prohibit smoking in outdoor bars and patios
. Côte-St-Luc
to introduce anti-smoking bylaws Smokers could face new restrictions in London. (DEREK RUTTAN, The London
Free Press) A proposed new smoking ban that would snuff out cigarettes
on ... Ottawa
to release new 'smoke free' recommendations The Ottawa Board of Health is releasing its recommendations for new
"smoke-free" public places across the city. The recommendations
will likely make it more ... During the review, health officials were to hold consultations with
residents, businesses and other interested parties about smoke-free
areas such as public ... Smoking
banned in Metro Vancouver parks Council
approves outdoor smoking bylaw 80%
of People Living in Apartments, Condos and Co-ops Want to Live Smoke
Free TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - An overwhelming majority of Ontarians
living in apartments, condos and co-ops want to live in smoke-free buildings,
but supply is lagging far behind this growing demand. According to Smoke-Free
Housing Ontario, this market inequity is putting the health of millions
of Ontarians at risk. ... Many
county parks to go smoke-free Store
owners plan to fight 'smoke shops' Toronto council voted to freeze the licensing of any new vapour lounges
this week. ... CANOE Columnists, 2011-12-02 JENNY YUEN, QMI Agency TORONTO - The lights are dimmed as slow Middle-Eastern beats play over the speakers. ... Falls
OKs smoking outside convention centre Niagara Falls city council has agreed to allow for three smoking areas
outside the Scotiabank Convention Centre. ... Ban
on smoking in rural parks to be considered in New Year Support
for smokers Smoking
bans at some hospitals failing: study New Canadian research has found that not only are patients and staff
ignoring hospital smoke-free bans, but the policies are also creating
unintended safety issues for patients. ... By Community Team A hospital patient in a wheelchair reported being
unable to see a no smoking sign that was up at eye level. (CBC)Smoking
bans on hospital ... Residents
are asked for feedback Town
looks at widening smoking ban Should
the City Expand the Smoke Free By-law? MORDEN:
POINT OF VIEW: Dwindling number of places where smokers can light up
Where's a smoker to find some peace these days? ... WATERLOO REGION -- A complaint from a University of Waterloo student
about second-hand smoke seeping into buses has Grand River Transit implementing
new smoking rules. ... A report on a smoke-free places policy for the City of Fredericton
will be coming forward before the end of the year, says city community
services director Wayne Tallon. ... The only smoke around Confederation Building would be generated by
heated debate, not cigarettes, if an advocacy group has its way. ... No
action on smoking ban plan County
may ban smoking in all public places Council
eyes smoking ban near play areas Too
far on tobacco Butt
out around children, says city committee Edmonton
residents support smoking ban for areas frequented by children City
seeks input on smoking ban Smoke
fading from clear future Health
officials set to explore smoking ban Tobacco
Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS) 2010 During the past 12 years 1999-2010, CTUMS has reported a decline in
the overall current smoking rate among Canadians aged 15 years and older
from 25% in 1999 to 17% in 2010. The population aged 15 years and older
increased by about 3.8 million Canadians, the number of current smokers
has decreased by 1.4 million, former smokers increased by 1.3 million
and never smokers increased by 4.0 million. Overall, we saw the population
increase by about 14% while ever smokers (current and former combined)
did not change. ... Smoking
ban looms for Metro regional parks A ban on smoking in regional parks except in designated areas will
go to the Metro Vancouver board for a final vote later this month. ... Wreck Beach supporters warned Metro Vancouver Wednesday there would
be a "total rebellion" if the Vancouver beach is included
in a partial no-smoking ban on all parks in the regional district. ... Canadians
can't get complacent despite lower smoking rates, Canadian Cancer Society
Smokers now comprise less than a fifth of Canada's population as rates
of tobacco consumption hit an all-time low last year, Statistics Canada
said Wednesday. ... Expanding
smoke-free spaces Limits
on outdoor smoking draw approval City
eyes smoke-free policy Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside is open to having a discussion about
a smoke-free areas policy similar to one created by the City of Dieppe,
but Woodside doesn't favour laying down the heavy hand of the law by
enacting a bylaw. ... Vancouver (BC) Province, 2011-08-12 Alyssa Noel, The Province A Surrey woman who says her neighbour’s cigarette smoke wafts
into her condo and triggers her asthma has won the right to launch a
human rights complaint. ... Ottawa
councillor wants to extend smoking ban He said ten years ago New York officials came to Ottawa to learn about
the city's smoking ban in restaurants and bars and now that city has
taken the next ... Dieppe
adopts smoke-free policy A
legal history of smoking in Canada Top
court rules feds not liable in smoking lawsuits The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Friday that the federal government
cannot be held liable for costs in lawsuits against tobacco companies.
... Non-smokers
can change strata bylaws Kelowna's
Smoke Free Parks, Beaches MUN
smoking ban gets thumbs up from anti-tobacco group Leduc
smoking ban in effect July 2 It's a first for a city in Alberta: soon drivers in Leduc won't be
allowed to smoke in a car while children are inside. ... Ontarians
Support Smoke Free Act: Poll Metro
may ban park smoking except in puffer zones Council
considers playground, parks smoking ban Anti-smoking
crusaders Smokers,
Canadian Cancer Society react to public smoking ban idea Lynn
looks forward to a tobacco-free country Smoking
at sports fields could prove costly City
mulls getting tough on smoke shops Smoke-Free
Bylaw Enforced at Sault Area Hospital N.S.
targets tobacco Dinosaurs covered in ashtrays and a website targeting teenage smokers
are the key components of Year 1 of a five-year provincial tobacco strategy
released Wednesday. ... Council
considers no-smoking bylaw Cafe
smoke ban merits support COUNCIL
OKS POLICY THAT WOULD OUTLAW SMOKING IN TOWN PARKS, BEACHES Pressure
mounts in Alberta for car smoking ban Smoking
issue on agenda Caron Ranney just wants a safe place for patients, staff and visitors
at the North Bay Regional Health Centre to be able to smoke. ... Winnipeg
expands proposed outdoor smoking ban to include health care facilities
WRHA
wants city to ban smoking on the grounds of health care facilities TOBACCO
TO NO LONGER BE SOLD IN PHARMACIES BEGINNING APRIL 1 Smoking
in Cars to Be Banned When Kids Are Travelling Along Niagara
Falls bans smoking at parks, city hall, facilities Surrey
will soon ban smoking at bus stops, residents told Katz
and Council ponder outdoor smoking ban Smoking
to get scarier with new warning labels Health Canada released Friday a new set of bigger and more graphic health warnings for cigarette packages that will require tobacco companies to overhaul both the inside and outside of packs. Twelve images to cover 75 per cent of the outside panel of cigarette packages were unveiled alongside eight health messages to appear on the inside in full colours. "Canada is the only country in the world that actually takes over the inside of the package as well as the outside," Cynthia Callard, executive director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, said Friday. "This is really innovative." Tobacco companies will also have to include four toxic emission messages for the side panel, along with the tollfree number of a national quit smoking line. ... Canadian
Campus Smoking Policies: Investigating the Gap Between Intent and Outcome
From a Student Perspective. Province
butts out on ban on outdoor puffing in city Provincial officials have ended a burning political dispute, saying it's up to city councillors to decide whether Winnipeg will ban smoking in outdoor places. Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau said Thursday he has told city officials the province does not plan to enact an outdoor smoking ban. Rondeau said he reiterated the province's stance to St. Vital Coun. Gord Steeves earlier this week -- three days before an executive policy committee voted to wait 30 days to hear back from the province on its position before they decide to pursue an outdoor ban. Councillors expressed concern that they could spend a lot of time and
money drafting an outdoor smoking bylaw, only to have the province follow
suit with a Manitoba-wide ban -- similar to what happened when Winnipeg
first banned smoking indoors in 2003 ... Division
snuffs out smokers' haven A smoking shelter built as part of a pilot program at a Manitoba high school has been removed following an investigation by the province's education minister. ... MUSTARD:
No ifs, ands or butts Regarding the Manitoba government's position on banning smoking at
outdoor fields -- "leave the decision up to the municipalities/local
jurisdiction." … A smoking shelter built for students and staff at a Steinbach school
has been dismantled, according to a statement from the Hanover School
Division. ... Banning smoking at outdoor athletic facilities in Winnipeg is in the
hands of the city, says Manitoba's healthy living minister. ... Jim Rondeau says the province has painted the broad brush strokes in
the area of smoking regulation. ... A high school in Steinbach has caused quite a stir after it decided
to build a shelter for students and staff to smoke on campus. ... Smoking
bans: Let province rule on puffs at sports fields, city urged Car
smoking ban to protect kids: Liberal leader Canada
needs heath-care strategy focused on prevention for reserves: Report
Canada needs to invest more money and develop a new national health-care strategy focused on prevention if it wants to win the fight against obesity, tobacco use and system inequities on aboriginal reserves, according to an annual report by Ontario's top doctor. ... City
backs off from banning smoking City
considers smoking ban in public parks Smoking could soon be a thing of the past in Hamilton’s parks. The board of health is holding a public meeting next month to discuss a proposed bylaw that would ban smoking in virtually all city parks and recreation areas including beaches, playgrounds, pools and playing fields. "People don’t like walking through clouds of smoke, especially
in places like parks and recreation centres, where they expect to go
and get healthy,” said Dr. Chris Mackie, one of Hamilton’s
associate medical officers of health. “It’s one of the most
common complaints that I get." ... ENGSTROM:
Teaching a bad lesson For all of you who worry about what lessons society is teaching our
children, the recent events surrounding a smoking shelter in Steinbach
should do little to calm your fears. ... Steinbach Regional Secondary School has found themselves under fire by special interest groups and those dedicated to political correctness lately. ... Pro-smoke
lobbyists still fighting Ontario smoking ban Two months after Ontario finally decided to kick the habit, lobbyists who fought the province's sweeping ban on smoking in public places say it's having precisely the negative impact on their industries that they had feared. In May, smoker's rights group Mychoice.ca, which is funded in part
by the tobacco industry, joined forces with pub owners, veterans and
charities in voicing concerns about the economic impact of the Smoke-Free
Ontario Act. ... Smoking
ban coming for parks and beaches Surrey is set to ban smoking at all parks and beaches within the city. On Wednesday night, Surrey's Parks, Recreation and Culture Committee is expected to pass a staff report recommending the creation of a bylaw forbidding people from lighting up in the civic areas. Coun. Mary Martin, chair of the committee and the head of the Mayor's Task Force on Health, expects the notion to pass unanimously both at committee and council. "I expect it to go pretty smoothly," Martin said Tuesday.
"It's a health issue and I think it's important that people understand
the significance of smoking within our community." ... McGuinty
knows his limits TORONTO — Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, a man nicknamed by critics as “Premier Dad” for his occasionally paternalistic laws, says he knows his limits when it comes to legislation. And those limits start at the front doors of apartment buildings. McGuinty Wednesday told reporters he would not ban smoking in multi-unit residential buildings. Proponents of such a ban complain that smoke often travels from one apartment unit to the next. ... Editorial:
Home-smoking ban plan goes too far Canada's anti-smoking activists should publicly admit what secretly they must actually desire — a total ban on the use, sale and production of tobacco. Heck, it worked so smoothly with alcohol during prohibition, and now with marijuana and other street drugs, maybe for the greater good of all Canadians we should give it a try with smoking. (Relax, we're kidding.) ... Cancer
society calls for Alberta-wide ban on smoking in cars with children
Alberta is lagging when it comes to discouraging cigarette smoking in vehicles carrying children, says the Canadian Cancer Society. All provinces have laws prohibiting smoking in public places. However,
only six provinces and the Yukon territory have legislation banning
smoking in vehicles with children. Alberta is among four provinces and
two territories that haven't made it illegal for drivers to smoke in
vehicles carrying children under the age of 18. ... B.C.
eyes stop-smoking plan The B.C. government is considering a $25-million plan to provide taxpayer-funded subsidies or coverage to help people stop smoking. Based on a "very early, high level assessment," the cost for all smoking-cessation products, including prescription and non-prescription ones, could be more than $25 million a year, said Michelle Stewart, spokeswoman for the B.C. Health Services Ministry. "The definitive budget impact would depend on what would be covered and coverage criteria -- all of which are being considered as part of the ministry review," she said, adding that a final decision is not expected until later this year. Organizations like the B.C. Lung Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and Yukon and the Canadian Cancer Society have been lobbying the government to offset the costs of smoking cessation interventions as Saskatchewan and Quebec now do. ... Statement
by the Prime Minister of Canada on National Non-Smoking Week Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement highlighting the importance of National Non-Smoking Week, January 16-22: “The health and well-being of Canadians is an important priority for our Government. Awareness of the many health hazards of tobacco use will help Canadians — especially our youth and children — avoid smoking, while helping others quit this very unhealthy habit. “This is why our Government has announced several measures, including new health warning messages for cigarette packages, and why we are working with the provinces and territories to include toll-free phone and web address information on these new labels. And we want to increase awareness and support for those trying to quit smoking ... Steinbach
school brings back smoking Smoking on public school grounds is back at Steinbach Regional Secondary School, where a shelter has been built for students and staff to smoke on campus. ... Ban
on Saskatchewan pharmacies selling tobacco products pushed back to April
2011 Saskatchewan pharmacies will stop selling tobacco products as of April 1, 2011, said Health minister Don McMorris on Monday. McMorris released the province’s tobacco reduction strategy as he opened a two-day symposium that brings together health officials and experts from across Saskatchewan. He later told reporters that the government is delaying the ban on pharmacy tobacco sales by several months. “A lot of pharmacies have to change the design of the store and we’re giving the time to do that,” McMorris told reporters Monday at the Hilton Garden Inn. Provincial
government aims to reduce smoking in Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan government is continuing its push to get smokers to butt-out during a tobacco reduction symposium in Saskatoon. About one hundred people from various health authorities are expected to attend the meetings, which are scheduled to last two days. "It is widely recognized that smoking contributes to significant health problems for smokers and those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke," said Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris. "Several stakeholders have been closely involved in planning and organizing this event and I would like to thank them for their contribution. Our government is looking at all strategies to reduce tobacco use in Saskatchewan." Alberta
gov’t to launch suit against tobacco companies The Alberta government has announced it will initiate legal action against the tobacco industry to recover health-care costs. The province will join British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick as the fourth province to launch such litigation. “We believe it’s important for Alberta to begin this process
now so that we’re able to file our statement of claim and work
collectively and jointly with other provinces to set the litigation
strategy,” said Alison Redford, the minister of justice and attorney
general. RNAO
dismayed at go The health of thousands of Ontarians hangs in the balance after the McGuinty government's decision to shelve a report recommending dozens of sound anti-smoking measures, nurses say. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) says it's dismayed the provincial government would announce it had made enough progress on anti-smoking laws on the same day the Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group (TSAG) released its report at Queen's Park. The report titled, Building On Our Gains, Taking Action Now, sets out a five-year strategy to control tobacco. It includes recommendations aimed at licensing tobacco retailers, introducing new guidelines for cigarette packaging, and expanding areas where smoking is prohibited to include restaurants, bar patios, and doorways and entrances of public buildings and playgrounds. The report also recommends amending the province's Residential Tenancies Act so landlords can include non-smoking language within leases. ... City
council kicks smoking ban around Revelstoke city council has asked staff to explore options for a possible cigarette smoking ban in public places, but they stopped short of pushing for the ban. The idea came forth in a recommendation from the city’s health advisory committee. In a somewhat light-hearted discussion, council touched on the ups and downs of a ban. They wondered if a ban would be enforceable. Coun. Steve Bender asked what the message would be to to all the smokers in town. “Move to Malakwa?” joked Mayor David Raven -- followed by
more jokes from councillors about the crack getting misconstrued. ... Ban
on smoking in rental apartments rejected A recommendation to let landlords ban smoking in rental apartments has been quickly shot down by the Ontario government. The province's Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group wants Ontario to outlaw smoking in multi-residential rental units, on all restaurant patios and in all parks and playgrounds. Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best says the government has already banned smoking in public areas of apartment buildings, and doesn't want to make the law even tougher. She says the province is "not looking at any further bans with
respect to smoking at this point in time." ... ONTARIO
LUNG ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR TOBACCO CONTROL The Ontario Lung Association (OLA) reinforces its support for the tobacco control recommendations announced today by the Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group (TSAG) in its new report, Building on our Gains, Taking Action Now: Ontario's Tobacco Control Strategy for 2011-2016. Since 2004 the Ontario Lung Association has been an active stakeholder in the Ontario government's Smoke-Free Ontario strategy, a member of TSAG and assisted in developing the report. The lung health organization backs the recommendations in today's report and believes they will advance the important strides already made to protect young people and adults from the grip of tobacco addiction. "We are proud to have worked with so many health partners in the development and timely release of this report. It's really time to correct common misperceptions about smoking and see it for what it is: one of the strongest addictions there is," says George Habib, president & CEO, Ontario Lung Association. "And if we agree that smoking is not a lifestyle choice, but a life-threatening addiction, it's imperative that we step up our tobacco control efforts into the future. While there have been many achievements and good work to date, there is still much more that needs to be done. Too many Ontarians are dying because of tobacco-related diseases, deaths that could be prevented with the right approach and strategy." In addition to supporting all recommendations of the TSAG report, the Ontario Lung Association is urging the provincial government to implement a province-wide smoking cessation system ... A
Statement by the Chief Medical Officer of Health - Towards a Smoke-Free
Ontario Earlier today, the Tobacco Strategy Advisory Group (TSAG) released a much-anticipated report on how Ontario should move forward with tobacco control. I want to commend the advisory group for a job well done, and want to throw my support behind the view that we must continue the war on tobacco with vigour and renewed commitment. To back away now is to lose ground and risk losing the fight completely. ... I believe that complacency is our key enemy. Tobacco only kills because we let it. ... There is much to be proud of in what we have accomplished, but we have
not accomplished nearly enough. It is time to take the next step in
tobacco control in Ontario. ... Smoke
pits for some city parks As city council moved forward with an extension of the smoking ban for “natural” areas to include all city-owned parks and beaches, park services manager Ian Wilson said there will be a few exceptions when the bylaw it goes into effect next February. Each park larger than 15 hectares will have a designated smoke pit. That means City Park, Parkinson Recreation Park, Mission Recreation Park and Guisachan Heritage Park, will be mostly smoke-free. The exception will give the plan a $23,000 price-tag and Wilson said
those funds will be used for education, signage and installation of
ashtrays in designated areas. ... PEI
apartments go smoke free An increasing number of apartments on P.E.I. are writing no-smoking policies into their leases, something that was virtually unheard of five years ago. Under P.E.I. law, property owners can evict a tenant if they violate a no-smoking policy that's included in the lease. Cora MacDonald, superintendent of the smoke-free Parklane Place Apartments in Charlottetown, told CBC News Tuesday the policy saves money on repairs from smoke damage, and helps fill the building. "We figured it would be a drawing card for some tenants, because a lot of our tenants are seniors and some have health issues," said MacDonald. "We are fully rented now, and I think we're ahead of what we expected as far as being totally rented." ... More
social housing goes smoke free Four social housing providers have announced they're cracking down on second-hand smoke in their facilities. Keene Non-Profit Housing, St. Barnabus Housing, Kinsmen Garden Court of Peterborough and the YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton are all going smoke-free. Ingrid Cathcart, a tobacco enforcement officer with the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, said the policies would be phased in gradually. Tenants living in the housing units who smoke can continue to do so, she said, though they are encouraged to go outside. The new policies apply to all new tenants and eventually the buildings will all be smoke free, Cathcart said. "We're sort of grandfathering them out." ... Smoking
in cars: a history If you're the sort who needs a coffee and a cigarette with your morning paper as you race the kids off to school, make a lungful of your next drag, the last ever. As of tomorrow, you will be breaking a new law: No smoking while driving with children. Fines under Saskatchewan's Tobacco Control Act range from $150 to $500 for exposing anyone younger than 16 to smoke in a vehicle. Times, they've certainly changed. Of a Saskatchewan that once was, but has long since disappeared, friends of similar (fogey) vintage share all my vivid recollections, except for the hippopotami. For example, I distinctly remember, at 14, in dad's Ford half-ton, and with no safety restraints even at 60 miles an hour -- (seat belts? Ha!) -- when the smoke from that Export A was so harsh that my entire respiratory system horked involuntarily with the spasms of a German shepherd working up a pork chop bone. And I was all by myself. It was a simpler time. Remarkable, or maybe not, in this latest round of tobacco restrictions,
which includes a ban on smoking near entranceways, is the silence of
debate. No one has raised a huge stink about busybody government horning
its unenforceable laws into human activities better left to common sense
and courtesy, at least no more so that the other side of the issue has
pressed the equally valid counter-argument that nothing in the new law
inconveniences any of us. ... PLATT:
Showing the door to nuisance smokers Cigarette smoke near exits is becoming an issue with Calgarians, say health officials. So few remaining, yet somehow, they always end up crowding the doorway of any building you choose to enter. Such is the paradox of the cigarette smoker, a species at an all-time population low in this province, following the most effective eradication campaign since the buffalo slaughter. Smokers are vanishing, and yet they're still a serious nuisance. Punishing taxes, disgusting health warnings and a ban on display and advertising has driven Alberta smoking to its lowest level ever, with just 18% of people over the age of 15 lighting up. . . . It's a shame, given that a well-publicized crackdown might serve to clear Calgary's cloudy doorways, and convince smokers that the street is not the best ashtray. A fat fine or two, levelled at bar and building owners, may be just the ticket to ending the conflict. It might even save smokers from losing the last few rights they have. So long as they continue to annoy the majority, smokers will find themselves on the path to extinction. ... Youth,
young adults smoking rates down in '09 Smoking rates appear to be on the decline among teens and young adults, according to a release from Statistics Canada on Monday. Data from the 2009 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey revealed that 18 per cent of respondents aged 15 and older reported smoking either daily or occasionally. That's unchanged from 2008, but down from 25 per cent in 1999. The smoking rate among youth aged 15 to 19 was 13 per cent, down from 15 per cent in 2008. The prevalence of smoking among young adults aged 20 to 24 years also dipped to 23 per cent from 27 per cent in 2008. Over an 11-year period spanning from 1999 to 2009, the population aged 15 years and older increased by about 3.1 million Canadians. While the number of current smokers decreased by 1.3 million, former smokers increased by 1.3 million and the number of those who had never smoked increased by 3.4 million. ... Cancer
Society seeks support for smoke-free patio bylaw EMC News - The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on municipal candidates in Ottawa to support a ban on smoking on restaurant patios and in parks and playgrounds. "Tobacco is a major health issue that needs the attention of municipal leaders," said Mary Hobbs, regional director of the Canadian Cancer Society. "Even outdoors, second-hand smoke is dangerous to health." Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals including at least 50 known cancer-causing substances, according to the society. Research has shown that levels of smoke within half a meter of a single
cigarette outdoors are comparable to indoor smoking levels depending
on air conditions, said Ms. Hobbs ... Council
approves smoking ban - Kelowna News Kelowna City Council has approved changes to a bylaw which will prohibit smoking in all city owned parks, beaches and other recreational areas. In August of 2009, the city's Parks and Public Spaces bylaw was amended prohibiting smoking in all city owned natural areas in an effort to reduce wild land fire ignition was approved by Council. Park Services Manager Ian Wilson says staff spent the last year investigating a wide-ranging ban and found that smoking ban bylaws can even help smokers quit. ... Kelowna
considers outdoor smoking ban City councillors in Kelowna, B.C., could vote to ban smoking in all city parks, beaches, trails and sidewalk patios on Monday, but the idea is not sitting well with smokers. The vote comes after the Vancouver Park Board made all 200 of the city's parks and 18 kilometres of beaches smoke-free earlier this month Kelowna Park Services manager Ian Wilson says support has since grown
for a similar ban in the Okanagan city ... Quebec
ponders more smoking restrictions Quebec's Liberal government plans to introduce legislation to toughen the province's smoking laws, CBC News has learned. Smoking rates have dropped in Quebec since the government brought in tougher tobacco laws in 2005. (Eliseo Fernandez/Reuters)Health Minister Yves Bolduc plans to table a bill this fall that will likely include a ban on smoking in vehicles where children are present, sources have told CBC. Quebec's current tobacco law introduced in 2005 prohibits smoking in bars and restaurants, and near public buildings such as hospitals or schools. Premier Jean Charest won't publicly confirm the move, but stressed that any measure to reduce smoking could improve Quebecers' lives. ... Smoking
in cars with kids will soon be illegal People who smoke in cars that have kids as passengers will be breaking Saskatchewan law as of Oct. 1, as provisions under The Tobacco Control Amendment Act take effect. The new rule is meant to protect children under 16 from second-hand smoke in vehicles, the provincial government said. "Children specifically are much more vulnerable to exposure to tobacco smoke than adults because they are still physically developing, so we're just trying to protect our youngest citizens from that exposure," said Nicole Nieminen, senior policy analyst with the Ministry of Health. The ministry on Friday issued a reminder that the month of October will also usher in other new tobacco control rules, including: ... Toronto
mayoral candidates not considering ban on public smoking Ban
smoking in parks The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on municipal election candidates in Ottawa to support a bylaw prohibiting smoking on restaurant patios and in parks and playgrounds. Even outdoors, second-hand smoke is dangerous. It contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including at least 50 known cancer-causing substances. Research has shown that levels of smoke within half a metre of a single cigarette outdoors are comparable to indoor smoking levels, depending on air conditions. Municipalities can take the lead to protect public health by implementing bylaws and policies that go above and beyond the existing provincial Smoke-free Ontario Act. We urge candidates to support bylaws for smoke-free restaurant and bar patios that will protect the health of patrons and staff and for smoke-free parks and playgrounds that will protect the health of children and caregivers. ... Caesars
Windsor raises eyebrows with hookah gifts WINDSOR, Ont. — Put this in your pipe and smoke it: Caesars Windsor provided a unique giveaway to invited guests Sunday, handing out hookahs. The 12-inch, two-pound glass hookahs were tabletop versions of the tall and traditional water pipe that began in India and has become popular throughout much of the Middle East -- and increasingly in North America, as well. "As most organizations do, we offer programs and promotions that target different customer groups and demographics," Caesars Windsor spokeswoman Renée Tomsich said Monday. "We normally present our patrons with gifts or giveaways every weekend." In the past, the casino has given loyal customers such things as coolers, lawn chairs, MP3 players, gas cards, gift cards and more. The hookah seems to stands out, however, especially given that the
casino -- as by Ontario law -- is smoke-free. ... Smoking
ban takes effect Wednesday at Vancouver parks beaches Parks and beaches are now off-limits to smokers, as the Vancouver Park Board’s ban on the habit took effect Wednesday. Lighting up in prohibited areas will net a fine of $250. These include
the city’s 224 parks, plus its playgrounds, beaches, golf courses,
sports fields, trails, seawall and areas within park boundaries, including
parking lots. ... Ottawa
patios have high levels of second-hand smoke A new study shows Ottawa patios have high levels of second-hand smoke, which could be hurting your health. The study, commissioned by the Ottawa Council on Smoking and Health, is based on research from the University of Waterloo that used a hidden device to measure air quality on restaurant patios in Ottawa. Researcher Ryan Kennedy found levels of tobacco smoke on Ottawa patios were as high as pollutants recorded in the air during a major forest fire. Ottawa's smoking and health council is launching an awareness campaign aimed at convincing restaurants and bars to go smoke-free on their patios. Although smoking is banned inside Ottawa restaurants and bars, the
rules do not extend to patios. Smoking
ban sparks region-wide debate A proposed comprehensive smoking bylaw for the City of Duncan is continuing to smolder as council attempts to deal with the worries of downtown business owners. Following first reading of the bylaw at Monday's meeting, council resolved to send it to the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Municipality of North Cowichan urging them to pass similar bylaws, as well as continuing to seek comments from the general public. Much of the bylaw is in line with provincial regulations, but concerns have been raised because the bylaw prohibits smoking within 7.5 metres of a stores, restaurants or other public-service related buildings. Provincial regulations currently prohibit smoking within three metres of windows and doorways of businesses. With few places in downtown Duncan not affected by that aspect of the bylaw, business owners are fearful that patrons will be driven out of the city. "People downtown feel this is a negative bylaw in an economically
depressed time," said Coun. Paul Fletcher, the only councillor
to have been opposed to the document from the start. "It's already
low in business in Duncan." ... Canadians,
Americans, Britons support tobacco crackdowns Canadians, Americans and Britons widely support the notion of their governments enacting regulations that curb smoking, cigarette sales and tobacco advertising, according to a new poll. The Angus Reid Public Opinion poll found that most respondents supported the laws that ban smoking indoors, in a vehicle that has a child present and in bars, restaurants and casinos. The poll, which was released on Wednesday, questioned 1,000 Canadians, 1,013 Americans and 2,023 Britons. Canadians led the other two countries in supporting the crackdown on sales. About 75% of Canadians supported banning cigarette sales at stores that contained a pharmacy while 63% of Brits and 43% of Americans did. Meanwhile, 86% of the Canadians polled supported banning the sales at post-secondary institutions compared to 66% of the American respondents and 79% of the British respondents. The majority of respondents also supported printing hazard warnings on tobacco packaging with Americans at 91% and Canadians and Britons at 88%. ... Smoking
will be off limits Smoking anywhere on school grounds will be strictly off limits by the time Saskatchewan students return to class this fall. As of Aug. 15, a provision banning all tobacco use on school grounds and in schools will take effect under the Tobacco Control Amendment Act, which passed the legislature in May. Health Minster Don McMorris said he's confident the restriction will help stem the number of young people who use tobacco, which can also help put a lid on future health-care costs. ... No
smoking ban for Vancouver parks and beaches...for now Should smoking
on patios be banned? A Toronto-based scientist has renewed calls for a smoking ban on patios, saying that outdoor smoking at restaurants still poses a serious health risk — as serious as indoor smoking, which was banned four years ago. Roberta Ferrence points to several new studies that show the dangers posed by outdoor tobacco smoke to servers and patrons is considerable and cumulative, especially if smokers are sitting at a table less than nine metres away from other guests, which is the case on most Toronto patios. “It forms a mushroom cloud, like an atomic bomb that rains down on us,” says Ferrence, who works with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and is also executive director of the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit. Local politicians, however, say smoking on patios is not an issue with voters. “I don’t get a lot of calls about it,” says Toronto city councillor John Filion (Ward 23, Willowdale). As chair of the Toronto Board of Health, Filion was a leader in the
campaign to ban smoking indoors in bars and restaurants. The Smoke-Free
Ontario Act, which contains the ban, went into effect early in 2006.
... Vancouver's
beach smoking ban arrives early All Vancouver beaches and parks will be smoke free, starting Wednesday. Vancouver Park Board commission Ian Robertson says smoking will be
banned because of extremely dry conditions. ... Smoking
bylaw passed Coquitlam
moves toward banning smoking on public patios Doctors'
group calls for smoke-free restaurant and bar patios Hospitality workers continue to be exposed to dangerously high levels of second-hand cigarette smoke Attention: Health/Medical Editor, Lifestyle Editor, News Editor OTTAWA--(Marketwire - May 25, 2010) - A Canadian health group is calling for Canadian provincial and municipal governments to move quickly to ban smoking on restaurant patios and other hospitality venues. "Canadian researchers have assembled compelling evidence to demonstrate that laws to keep restaurant patios smoke free is necessary to protect the health of workers and the public," said Neil Collishaw, research director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, "yet 8 in 10 Canadians lives in a community where such measures are not yet in place." ... Outdoor
smoking ban in the works for Hamilton? But a possible ban could further alienate smokers who are already restricted
from smoking in restaurants and bars, said two city councillors. ... Duncan
pondering outright smoking ban A proposed bylaw banning all tobacco smoking in Duncan has one city councillor fuming. “I’m dead against it because it’s just another piece of negativity for downtown Duncan,” councillor and ex-smoker Paul Fletcher said of the draft bylaw council wants public feedback about. The proposed butt ban would affect parks, sidewalks, gazebos, bus shelters, streets and other places. Mayor Phil Kent, also a former smoker, signaled council simply wants public input about how effective the stub-out statute might be to boost air, ground and water quality. “What goes onto the ground gets into our water,” he said of toxic butts dotting city streets. ... Designated
smoking areas planned at parks City-owned playgrounds, beaches, wading pools and splash pads will become smoke-free areas as of July 1, city council decided on Monday night, with the ban expanding to all city parks by May 1, 2012. But council eased off a little on the smoking ban, adding a last-minute amendment to allow designated smoking areas in city parks. ... Wider
smoking ban eyed Where there's smoke, there's ire -- amateur soccer pitches might not be the only outdoor fields where parents are asked to butt out before the big game. On Monday, city council's protection and community services committee voted to recommend a ban on smoking within 50 metres of the sidelines on city-owned soccer fields. Before it goes into effect, the potential ban still needs to percolate through city government, gaining approval next from the executive policy committee, then from council itself. ... Committee
to look at dos and don'ts of public parks Council considered the smoking bylaw, and it was noted by CAO Larry McCabe that such an action would need the consent of county council. "Is it possible," said Coun. Heather Lyons, "That we could consider a local municipal bylaw?" A motion to ask the county to ban smoking in parks was rescinded and
a committee formed at the bequest of Deputy-Mayor John Grace to create
a larger park policy. ... Council
expands no-smoking areas in public There's fewer places to light up, after councillors passed two bylaws on Monday night restricting where someone can have a cigarette. It's now against the law to have a smoke within nine metres of the
entrance to a public building, and you won't be able to have a cigarette
on a restaurant patio that's located on a public thoroughfare. ... Smoking
ban should be taken seriously by city Re: 'Smoking ban study a waste of time, money' (Daily News, April 28) I'm really surprised at your laissez-faire attitude towards smoking in a public place. Fool's errand? Preventing people from forced inhalation of second-hand tobacco smoke? Not according to all the health information I read on the subject. Since when is trying to save lives a fool's errand? Ask the person
that's laying in the hospital dying of lung cancer what they think.
... From
July CAMH Bans Smoking on Premises Mental health centre in Canada plans to go smoke free in July. Canada’s largest mental –health facility, the centre for Addiction and mental health has already banned smoking indoors. The facility also emphasizes that the ban will be completely implemented,
if the patients are willing to support. This law has almost taken 10
years to be put into practice ... Smoking
ban in parks to be self-enforced Lisa Messervey, a mother of two boys aged four and two, has seen children pick up cigarette butts around playgrounds in city parks. "They (smokers) leave them laying around. It's disgusting," she said on Wednesday as she walked with her sons and dog in Beavermead Park. The city's plan to phase out smoking in all municipal parks and beaches over the next couple of years is a great idea, Messervey said. "I don't want my kids around it. It's gross," she said. ... Smoke
ban in parks urged A proposal to ban smoking in Alberta's municipal and provincial parks is attracting interest from several Edmonton city councillors. The Coalition for a Smoke-Free Alberta wants governments to outlaw smoking in parks, a move the head of one of the group's members says should include civic playgrounds and restricted outdoor sites where people gather. "Playgrounds would be an excellent place to start. There's protecting children's lungs and there's (preventing) role modelling," Tony Hudson, chief executive of the Lung Association of Alberta, said Wednesday. ... Smoking
could be banned in Calgary parks Stop smoking in parks and playgrounds. That's what an anti-smoking group wants to see happen in Edmonton and possibly Calgary as well. The director of "Action on Smoking and Health" tells the Calgary Sun they're campaigning in the provincial capital to see that happen and depending on how that goes, Calgary could be next. Thirty municipalities have already banned smoking in parks, with Vancouver
being the most recent. ... Vancouver
park board tells smokers to butt out at parks and beaches Vancouver's park board will vote on a plan Monday that would prohibit smoking in all public parks and beaches, a move critics allege tramples on smokers' rights and is simply political grandstanding. The board will review a report prepared by park staff that recommends the ban on medical and environmental grounds. "I have letters of support from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, I have emails from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, I also have emails from leading no-smoking experts from the University of British Columbia," said Raj Hundal, a park board commissioner. "There is obviously scientific support toward bringing a ban." But Robert Holmes, president of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, said the ban is virtually unenforceable and violates an individual's freedom. ... Bylaw
butts out at entrances number of workplaces and apartment buildings have been added to the city's smoking bylaw, which bans anyone from lighting up within nine metres of doorway entrances. Council approved an amendment Monday, adding eight workplaces and 19 apartments to the bylaw calling for the nine-metre ban. Deputy mayor Peter Chirico said the additions to the bylaw represent the first round ... Vote
set for smoking ban in parks Vancouver smokers will have one less place to light up if a proposed bylaw prohibiting smoking in all parks and beaches passes tonight. The Vancouver Parks Board is voting whether to enact the smoking ban, which is already in effect in some form or another in municipalities like Richmond and White Rock. “The overarching concern here is to promote a healthy urban environment
and support active living and wellness,” said Parks Comm. Raj Hundal.
... Bottorff, J.L.; Johnson, J.L.; Carey, J.; Hutchinson, P.; Sullivan, D.; Mowatt, R.; Wardman, D., "A family affair: Aboriginal women's efforts to limit second-hand smoke exposure at home," Canadian Journal of Public Health 101(1): 32-35, January-February 2010. Supreme
Court rejects appeal on smoking in private club Smoking-related
health problems dropped after Toronto banned restaurant
TORONTO — A ban on smoking in Toronto restaurants may be paying big health dividends, a new study suggests. Rates of hospitalizations for heart attacks as well as heart and respiratory disease conditions plummeted after the city's ban on smoking in restaurants came into effect, according to the study, published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. There was a 17.4 per cent drop in heart attack hospitalization rates and a 39 per cent decline in hospital admissions for cardiovascular conditions overall. The rate at which Torontonians were hospitalized for respiratory conditions - asthma or emphysema attacks, pneumonia and the like - decreased 33 per cent. "This study's findings are consistent with the understanding that secondhand smoke has detrimental health impacts and legitimizes efforts to further reduce exposure," said Dr. Alisa Naiman, lead author of the study. Naiman is a family physician and a researcher with Toronto's Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences; her co-authors are also researchers with ICES. The study is an observational one, which means the researchers looked at what happened after a policy intervention occurred, in this case the smoking ban. This kind of study cannot prove cause and effect; it can only spot changes that seem to be associated with the intervention. The authors used statistical modelling to try to rule out the possibility the effect seen might have been due to other factors. The effect is large, and Naiman admitted in an interview that it's likely a number of other changes in society at the time contributed to it. ... Hospital
admissions dropped after anti-smoking legislation in place Since the implementation of anti-smoking legislation, hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions have decreased 39% and 33% respectively, found a research article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) (pre-embargo link only) http://www.cmaj.ca/embargo/cmaj091130.pdf. Previous studies have focused on the impact of public smoking restrictions on cardiovascular outcomes and, in particular, on heart attacks. Few, if any, studies have examined hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in association with the implementation of smoke-free legislation. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the world. Second-hand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable poor health and premature death in the developed world. This 10-year population-based study was conducted to determine the effect of anti-smoking legislation in Toronto, Canada on admissions to hospital for cardiovascular conditions, specifically heart attacks, angina and stroke, and respiratory conditions asthma, emphysema, and pneumonia or bronchitis. "Research delineating the impact of smoke-free legislation on cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes could have an immense impact on public health, given that an estimated one billion people are expected to die during the 21st century as a result of tobacco-related disease," write Dr. Alisa Naiman, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, University of Toronto and coauthors. The largest decline in hospital admissions occurred after the 2001 ban of smoking in restaurants. This included a 17% decrease in the crude rate of admission for heart attacks, a 33% decrease in rates of admission for respiratory conditions and a 39% decrease because of cardiovascular conditions. ... Smoking
laws may be working: Study A survey from Smoke-Free Nova Scotia claims tough laws on lighting up is curbing the habit for some Bridgewater residents. Bridgewater’s Protection from Second-Hand Smoke bylaw that took effect in September 2008 applies to most town property such as parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Due to this regulation — the first of the kind in the province — the survey says 12 per cent of people in Bridgewater are now trying to quit and one in three people who smoke say they now smoke less around children. Smoke-Free Nova Scotia is a coalition of health groups across the province
who are committed to a tobacco-free province. ... Class
Action Against Tobacco Company Dismissed Lawyer Ches Crosbie is calling Newfoundland and Labrador a "legal
backwater for consumer rights" following a Court of Appeal decision
to dismiss a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit against Imperial
Tobacco. The lawsuit sought millions of dollars against the tobacco
manufacturer for marketing so-called "light" and "mild"
cigarettes. . . . The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal dismissed the action, citing the province's Trade Practices Act, which does not permit consumers to sue manufacturers. Crosbie says our consumer law is the only law in the country that does not allow consumers to do that. ... Smoking
next on BC town's to be banned list First it was fast-food franchises. Now it's smoking. The Vancouver Island town of Tofino is preparing a bylaw that would ban smoking in the municipality's parks. Councillor Gord Johns said he came up with the idea after talking to members of the Canadian Cancer Society at a meeting of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Mr. Johns said it doesn't make sense to take children to a park to play next to people who are blowing smoke. ... Smoking
ban in regional housing units to be introduced Waterloo Region wants tenants to butt out. Beginning April 1st, residents of buildings owned by the region will not be allowed to smoke in their units. The region owns and manages 2,723 housing units, but today's Record reports the policy will only apply to new tenants who move into an apartment on or after April 1. ... Public
Health campaign promotes smoke-free rental properties EMC Lifestyle - Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health is encouraging property managers, landlords and social housing providers to clear the air at their properties. BreathFresh, a first-time education campaign, promotes the development and maintenance of smoke-free rental properties. Dave McWilliam, manager of the tobacco control program at KFL&A Public Health, said this is an initiative that has been gaining ground across the country. He noted that in Canada, British Columbia is leading the way on this issue, but there has been activity closer to home. "The Region of Waterloo has just announced it will be taking all of its social housing in the realm of the municipality smoke-free," he said. McWilliam said the initiative is not intended signal out and reprimand those who choose to smoke, but it's about providing those who don't smoke the choice to live in a smoke-free home. "We know that ballpark 75 per cent of the population in Kingston does not smoke and a reasonable percentage of those live in rental properties," McWilliam said. He noted that these individuals don't have much choice but to live in properties where they are affected by second-hand smoke. McWilliam said living free of second-hand smoke should not be a luxury available only to homeowners. ... Vancouver's
smoke-free Games plan runs out of puff Vancouver's plan to host smoke-free Winter Games were stubbed out after Olympic officials told the city to make room for people who love to puff, particularly Europeans and the media. In a city that prides itself on healthy living, bike-riding Mayor Gregor Robertson recognized that Vancouver could not impose its strict anti-smoking culture on legions of visitors to the Games that open on Friday (Feb 12-28). "We need to be welcoming the world with open arms and not being too prescriptive with regulations and practices that we live by day to day," said Robertson. The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) wanted to ban smoking to reflect "our very strong commitment to a healthy environment for spectators, athletes, officials, everyone," said Renee Smith-Valade, vice president of communications. While there will be no smoking inside indoor sports venues, VANOC was told by the International Olympic Committee that it must designate smoking areas outside the arenas. ... Windsor
survey finds support for outdoor smoking ban WINDSOR, Ont. -- The local health unit is promoting an idea sure to have puffers fuming: a ban on smoking at outdoor sports and recreation areas. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit released a poll Thursday showing that 71 per cent of 1,165 respondents favour such a ban on tobacco, including chewing tobacco. ... Ban
smoking on patios: tobacco council A Quebec anti-tobacco group wants a ban on smoking outside bars and restaurants. The Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health is asking the government to
extend the indoor smoking ban, in effect since 2006, to outdoor patios.
... Olympic
smoking zones slammed Special smoke pits will be set up at the rear of Olympic venues to ensure coaches and officials have a place to puff without having to leave the security perimeter. Vanoc's chief medical officer said designated outdoor smoking areas
will be set up in strategic positions away from crowds after requests
from some international sport federations. ... Olympics
no longer 'smoke-free' Vote
on smoking bans for Vancouver parks and beaches expected February 1
National
Non-Smoking Week Kicks Off The province is promoting the National Non-Smoking Week theme of "Quitting is contagious, pass it on!" which is based on research that indicates it is easier for people to quit smoking when others in their social circle also kicked the habit. Ontario's Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, one of the most comprehensive strategies in North America, has surpassed its goal of reducing tobacco consumption by 20 per cent by 2007 ... The
Impact of Ontario Smoke-free Legislation on Secondhand Smoke in Enclosed
Public Places Many studies have evaluated the impact of indoor smoking bans on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. No studies have assessed the impact of a smoking ban on SHS in enclosed areas outside separately ventilated, designated smoking rooms (DSRs). This study evaluated the overall impact of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act implemented May 31, 2006, on SHS in bars and coffee shops and the impact of banning DSRs on SHS outside DSRs. Air particulate matter (PM) and carcinogenic particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAH) were measured in May 2006 before the ban inside and outside DSRs in Toronto venues (13 coffee shops and 14 bars) that allowed smoking only in DSRs, and in Windsor venues (10 coffee shops and 10 bars) where smoking was allowed in shared spaces. Measurements were repeated 2 months post-ban. Air quality index values (AQIs) were calculated. Mixed model analysis was applied, taking into account measurement errors for repeated measures. Post ban, mean PM and PPAH levels were reduced by 87% (from 494 to 67 mm(2)/m(3)) and 94% (from 196 to 11 ng/m(3)), respectively, inside Toronto DSRs. Mean PM and PPAH levels were reduced by 10% (from 124 to 111 mm(2)/m(3)) and 46% (from 45 to 24 ng/m(3)), respectively, outside Toronto DSRs. In all Windsor venues, mean PM and PPAH levels were reduced by 83% (from 488 to 81 mm(2)/m(3)) and 90% (from 107 to 10 ng/m(3)), respectively. All reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). In Toronto venues, the AQI was reduced from the "very unhealthy" range inside DSRs and the "moderate" range outside Toronto DSRs to the "good" range, and in Windsor venues from the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range to the "good" range post-ban. Pre-ban PPAH levels including those outside Toronto DSRs may be associated with cardiovascular injury. DSRs did not provide adequate protection from SHS. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act produced a significant and firm reduction in SHS exposure in venues both with and without DSRs. ... Smoking
in cars law difficult to enforce SUMMERSIDE - Local authorities have found a new law governing smoking in cars is hazy at best. Changes to the province's Smoke Free Places Act late in 2009 prohibit lighting up in a motor vehicle when anyone under 19 years of age is present. Cpl. Kent MacKay of the East Prince RCMP said while the law is a good idea, it's difficult to enforce. "It's not difficult to enforce if you witness it, but it's very difficult to enforce if you don't," MacKay said. "Even to determine if a person under 19 is present in the vehicle while someone's smoking is very hard." ... If
there are kids in your car, butt out or pay up Motorists in the Chaleur region are being reminded that a provincial ban on smoking in motor vehicles when children are present went into effect Jan. 1. "The prohibition of smoking in cars when children are present will ensure more protection for young people from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke," said Health Minister Mary Schryer in a news release. "This initiative is a step forward to protect the public from second-hand smoke and to reduce the use of tobacco." The Smoke-free Places Act prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle when
a person younger than 16 is present. Similar legislation exists in Ontario,
British Columbia, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, and is being put in force
in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island ... Once
gutted by fire, apartment complex now smoke-free A newly renovated southwest Calgary apartment complex gutted by a fire in 2007 has now opened its units to a completely smoke-free living environment. Lakeview Mews property management company Realstar Management claims the building is the first 100 per cent smoke free apartment complex in Calgary. “As the trend against smoking strengthens, more and more individuals are requesting non-smoking properties to call home, so it was important for us to satisfy this request” Realstar vice-president Scott Bigford said in a release. “During the renovation process, we decided to convert the property to a smoke-free home to benefit both the health of our new residents, as well as the environment,” Dustin Pelly is a resident at the apartment. Because of his asthma condition, he chooses to live in the smoke-free environment. “It was definitely a motivating factor to move in,” he said.
... Canada
Government Must Face B.C. Tobacco Suit, Court Rules Canada’s federal government, accused of promoting so-called light cigarettes, must be a defendant in a British Columbia lawsuit seeking compensation from tobacco companies for the treatment of smoking-related illnesses. The Court of Appeal for British Columbia yesterday overturned a trial judge’s decision that cleared the federal government and, in a 3-2 decision, ruled it must be added as a co-defendant as requested by the tobacco companies. “The B.C. decision will demonstrate that the government of Canada
has known about the risks associated with smoking for decades and that
it instigated and promoted the development and sale of lower-tar tobacco
products,” Donald McCarty, Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd.’s
vice president of law, said in a statement. ... Saskatchewan
introduces new tobacco legislation The Saskatchewan division of the Canadian Cancer Society is applauding new tobacco reduction measures announced by the Saskatchewan government. On Thursday, the ministry of health announced an investment of $1 million per year for three years on a tobacco strategy aimed at children and youth. "Although Saskatchewan's tobacco use rates have stabilized over the last two to three years, our rates remain high," said Health Minister Don McMorris. "We are committed to reducing tobacco use in this province. We know tobacco use is a significant cause of preventable death in Canada and we want our residents to have long, healthy and productive lives." ... Town
defeats bylaw to prohibit smoking outside public places Where would smokers light up downtown if they were prohibited from smoking within nine metres of any public building? That was the question town council and staff asked Tuesday when they denied the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit's request to stop smokers from puffing outside any workplace or public entrance within municipal boundaries. The Smoke Free Ontario Act and regulations prohibit smoking in all public and workplaces, but does not prohibit smoking outside an entrance. "The reason why our department was recommending it be denied is (because of) the building fabric, especially in the downtown, you wouldn't be able to smoke at all downtown…the entrances are so close together," said bylaw enforcement office Tammy Purdy. She added that the bylaw department also doesn't have the resources to enforce it. ... Council
to vote next week on smoking buffer Smokers will have to drag themselves further away from entrances to all municipal buildings and possibly some workplaces and apartment buildings under proposed amendments to the city's smoking bylaw. North Bay council will vote next week on the smoking bylaw amendments which call for a nine-metre ban from doorway entrances at all municipal buildings, as well as workplaces and apartment buildings with more than six units when requested by owners. If approved, the municipal bylaw would be even more rigid than the
provincial Smoke Free Ontario Act, which only provides minimum distances
for hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric facilities. ... Smoking
prohibited on school property In fact, the Smoke Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking at any time on school property. One of the reasons for this law is to de-normalize tobacco use; ... Health
groups applaud passage of bill to sue tobacco companies A coalition of prominent health organizations is applauding the Alberta government for passing a bill that will hold tobacco companies accountable for their tremendous impact on the healthcare system. Bill 48, the Crown's Right of Recovery Act, allows the Alberta government to sue tobacco companies to recover the portion of healthcare costs resulting from the tobacco industry's deceptive marketing practices. "We are delighted that the Alberta government has joined with other provinces to hold the tobacco industry accountable for the healthcare impact of its deceptive marketing practices," said Tony Hudson of The Lung Association. "The tobacco industry has an unparalleled track record of deceit, denial, and public harm resulting from decades of marketing the leading avoidable cause of premature death. This bill is a significant achievement for public health, justice and tobacco industry accountability." Alberta is the ninth province to pass legislation to enable Medicare cost recovery lawsuits against tobacco companies ... City
council approves outdoor smoking ban Park
board's anti-smoking crusade deliberately clouds issue ...Now the park board wants to ban smoking in parks, playgrounds and beaches--pretty much everywhere people go. ... Ban
on cellphone use while driving a year away ...The same bill also bans smoking in a vehicle with a child under
16.... Smoking
ban at city parks gets approval A smoking-bylaw amendment prohibiting puffing near public beaches, certain playgrounds and recreational fields has been passed by Timmins city council. It has been a topic that has ignited much discussion around the council table since a group of young people from Whisper Out Loud did a presentation. The original suggestion was to prohibit people from smoking within roughly 30 metres of beaches, playgrounds and recreational fields. The amendment passed yesterday establishes that restriction at 10 metres. ... No
more smoking on the sidelines? The Town of Windsor is considering a bylaw to ward away secondhand smoke. With a vote of 3-2, Council approved first reading of the Protection from Secondhand Smoke Bylaw. The matter will go to second reading at the November 24 council meeting. If passed, no one will be permitted to smoke on any property owned or leased by the Town. This includes all town parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, trails and building lands. Windsor’s chief administrative officer Louis Coutinho says the
bylaw is not about trying to fine people, but about educating people
in a healthier community. “Secondhand smoke is a health hazard.”
... Health
group serves National Post with notice of libel suit TORONTO, Nov. 10 /CNW/ - The Non-Smokers' Rights Association (NSRA) has served the National Post with a notice of the Association's intention to sue the paper under the Ontario Libel and Slander Act. The October 27th editorial alleged that the NSRA is "pressuring" the Ontario government to use building code reforms "to forbid smoking in all apartments and condominiums." The allegation is false and has harmed the NSRA. Although the National Post published a "correction" on November 3rd, the so-called "Correction" was itself incorrect and merely aggravated the harm done to the NSRA in the editorial. "The NSRA, like virtually all health organizations," said Garfield Mahood, NSRA executive director, "is sensitive to concerns about regulating smoking in the privacy of the homes of smokers. This is just one of the reasons that Non-Smokers' Rights Association has always opposed a blanket prohibition on either tobacco or smoking, especially in private homes. However, in keeping with long-accepted common law and public health principles, when behaviour in private multi-unit dwellings creates a health hazard for others who are sharing the same air supply, the NSRA will continue to work with health units, municipalities, landlords and tenants to prevent second-hand smoke from harming innocent parties who share common air." The NSRA takes the position that residents of multi-unit dwellings,
when they share the same air through close proximity, ventilation systems,
halls, stairways and leakage through cracks and gaps, must recognize
that second-hand smoke presents a real risk to their neighbours and
that they have a responsibility to their fellow residents. "Advocating
for the elimination of this risk in multi-unit dwellings," said
Mr. Mahood, "is in no way advocating for the prohibition alleged
by the National Post." ... Federal
Court throws out prison smoking ban Hardened criminals enfeebled by severe nicotine fits have won their court battle against a sweeping prohibition on smoking in federal penitentiaries. On Oct. 23, Federal Court Judge Luc Martineau overturned the total
ban enacted by Corrections Canada in May, 2008. ... Apartment
building going smoke-free Russell Chandler has smoked for more than 50 years, but he is willing to curb his habit to be more neighbourly. He is one of approximately 90 tenants of the South Chatham Village Apartments who will have to adapt to a smoking ban coming effect at the apartment complex, Jan 1, 2010. "There's no hard feelings that they're doing that," Chandler said. Martin Vanderzwan, chairman of the apartment's board of directors, said the smoking ban has been motivated by reducing the risk of fire and reducing the known health effects of secondhand smoke. He said most of the residents responded to a survey on implementing the ban. "It was almost unanimous that we should have a nonsmoking policy," Vanderzwan said. There are 67 units in the building, including seven or eight units occupied by smokers, he said. ... Canadian National Conference on Tobacco or Health runs Nov. 1-4, 2009 10/30: The Program Committee of the Canadian National Conference on Tobacco or Health is developing a dynamic program to present the latest evidence, research findings, programs, and activities in Canadian tobacco control and around the world. More information will be posted as plans progress. The plenary and symposia sessions will explore the critical elements of tobacco control’s future, while the concurrent sessions will probe key issues including plain packaging, retail reform, Bill C-32, new products, new frontiers in second-hand smoke, industry litigation, contraband and the implication of new nicotine addiction research and the use of NRT’s in cessation. There will be two sessions on smoke-free multi-unit housing (SF MUDS), and this topic will be touched on in a couple of other sessions. Appeal
in motion over ruling on smoking ban The Correctional Service of Canada is appealing a court ruling that struck down the ban on smoking at federal penitentiaries. A group of 19 inmates, all in Quebec, won a court challenge against Canada's prison smoking ban last week; Federal Court ruled that prohibiting smoking outdoors went too far and deprived prisoners of their rights. The Correctional Service has decided to appeal, meaning that inmates must still butt out for now. ... Jail
yard smoking ban to be appealed MONTREAL - The Correctional Service of Canada will appeal a ruling making it legal to smoke outdoors at federal penitentiaries. A group of 19 prisoners challenged a ban on smoking on the grounds
of any federal penitentiary, which was put into force in May 2008. Last
week, a Federal Court judge in Montreal ruled the ban violated the charter
rights of the plaintiffs because smokers weren’t able to smoke
either indoors or out. ... Ban
on smoking in vehicles with children Anyone caught in B.C. smoking in a vehicle with a child present will have to pay a $109 fine. April of this year, the B.C. Government passed the legislation to enforce a ban on smoking in vehicles when a child under the age of 16 is present last spring under the Motor Vehicle Act. Healthy living and sport minister Mary Pollack said in a statement regarding the ban, "Any level of second-hand smoke has harmful effects on a child's health, so it's important that we protect vulnerable children who are confined in a vehicle." ... Study
shows how smoking really burns Saskatchewan Every now and then, a long-standing issue allows you to address how much we've actually progressed as a society . . . and perhaps also allows you to measure how much further we have to go. Smoking is just such an issue and -- measured by the Canadian Cancer Society study suggesting that the Saskatchewan economy takes a $1.1-billion annual hit as a result of smoking -- it appears we still have a long ways to go. That said, the Saskatchewan Party government's proposed new tobacco
legislation that will ban smoking in cars carrying children and also
on outdoor patios is another great step in the right direction. ... Sask.
considers smoking ban when kids are in car The Saskatchewan government is considering a new law to ban smoking in cars when children are present. No details have been released, but the measure is one of several being considered for new anti-tobacco legislation. The province is also looking to ban smoking at the outdoor patios of bars and restaurants. Currently, there's a sweeping smoking ban in indoor areas, but it's still permitted in outdoor areas. The car-smoking ban when children are present has been introduced in
other regions around Canada, but not in Saskatchewan. ... No-smoking
bylaw to get third reading City council will finally vote on a controversial by-law banning smoking in city parks and playgrounds. An amended by-law will be read at the council meeting Monday, forbidding anyone with some exceptions from lighting up within 15 metres of any playground area, recreational field or the Roberta Bondar Park Tent. In an evenly divided vote broken by Mayor John Rowswell, council deferred third and final reading six weeks ago to hold public consultations. A public and user group consultation meeting was held Sept. 30. A report from commissioner of social services Nick Apostle says 11 members of the public and four user groups attended, with most questions "around implementation of the bylaw." There was also "discussion around the sacred and ceremonial use of tobacco by aboriginal groups," the report states. ... HILTS:
Smoke-free housing complex in Lambton is long overdue If you have ever lived in an apartment you know the smell of second-hand
smoke wafting into your dwelling can be enough to make you sick. Lambton County's smoke-free housing proposal got the green light from a standing committee. A decision by council is expected on Nov. 4. It's a project long overdue in this county. . . . County council needs to approve this non-smoking project to protect the health of its residents. Affordable housing tenants deserve to have a healthy home. Smoking
ban laudable, but not doable: Greater Toronto Apartment Association
Peel Regional councillors say enacting legislation that protects residents in multi-unit apartment buildings from second-hand smoke is a step in the right direction. But when it comes to banning the practice outright, local politicians
concede such a law would be hard to enforce. Dr. David Mowat, Peel’s medical officer of health, said the purpose of the document is to spark public debate and gauge council’s position on the matter. The report follows several complaints from apartment tenants in Peel about smoke drifting into their homes, Mowat said. ... Peel
rejects proposal to ban smoking in tenants' homes Thursday, Peel Region's general committee rejected the idea of passing a bylaw banning smoking in such buildings because officials said restricting tenants' rights to do what they wish in their own homes wouldn't stand up in court. But the committee will ask the province for legislation that would protect residents of multi-unit buildings from second-hand smoke through various measures such as changes to the Ontario Building Code. A decision by Waterloo to phase out smoking in social housing by requiring
tenants after April 1 to sign leases with no-smoking provisions, and
a similar proposal being considered in Hamilton, will have a "domino
effect," predicts Pippa Beck, policy analyst for the non-smokers'
group. Building code changes that would require retrofitting ventilation systems in old buildings and ensure that new ones are capable of filtering out second-hand smoke are among the measures that could be taken, Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion said. Local
smoke-free housing proposed An affordable housing project planned for the old Marshall Gowland Manor site could be a smoke-free building. It would be the first public housing building to be smoke-free in Lambton if county council approves the move. A standing committee is backing the recommendation by Lambton's housing services department. It goes to council on Nov. 4. That's the same day county councillors are scheduled to be hear details about the design of the $10-million plus housing project at 1000 London Rd. in Sarnia. It's 57 units will be for seniors and the disabled. John Innes, the county's general manager of financial services, said demolition of the former home for the aged is now complete. "We got a good clean job," Innes said about the work done by Aurora-based Priestly Demolition Inc. Lola Dudley, manager of the housing services department, said design details for the new building will be presented to the neighbours at a public meeting Nov. 3, 7 p. m., at High Park School. Construction could begin in early spring. ... Butt
ban excludes duplex dwellers Even as a smoker, I am all for the city bylaws that protect nonsmokers from my bad habit. I don't even smoke in my own house or car. But I have a huge problem. I live in a 100-year-old duplex with my husband and baby, and the people next door smoke inside so much that all of us cough and choke. Not even opening a window helps. I called the City of Barrie and apparently there are no laws to protect
us in this situation, as the landlord next door did not put in his lease
that there is no smoking. People are not allowed to smoke in the open
air down at the waterfront, but our daughter has to be choked out by
the inconsiderate neighbours next door. ... Peel
Public Health wants condos, apartments smoke-free It may soon be against the law for Ontarians to smoke in their own home. Peel Public Health wants Queen's Park to add more restrictions to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act to protect residents in multi-unit dwellings from exposure to second-hand smoke. For that to happen, municipal authorities would have to redefine the term "public place" to include private, multi-unit apartments. Tenants have complained about smoke seeping into their homes through electrical outlets, ductwork and light fixtures. The Act already prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces. ... Car
smoking ban a good decision by gov't It's not likely to make smokers very happy, but come 2010 drivers caught smoking with children younger than 16-years-old in the car will be facing fines of $140 up to $750 with fines increasing to as much as $1,070 for additional incidents. New Brunswick becomes the fifth jurisdiction in Canada to impose such a ban and we applaud the province for taking this step. By now there should be no one who does not know just how unhealthy
cigarettes are or no one who isn't aware of the damage they cause. Years
of research have proven that cigarettes cause a host of illnesses, not
the least of which is lung cancer. ... Smoking
banned for new tenants in public housing WATERLOO REGION — Regional council voted 12-3 Wednesday to confirm a ban on smoking in about 2,700 public housing units owned by Waterloo regional government. The ban takes effect April 1, 2010 but does not apply to current tenants, unless they move to a new unit. Tenant Georgeann Moniz appeared before council to applaud the ban, saying she gets a bad cough when second-hand smoke seeps in through her door or from a neighbouring patio. Under the new rules, outdoor smoking must be at least five metres from a building. ... Following
the money: The Fraser Institute's tobacco papers When the Fraser Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2004, media coverage was ebullient. The Province was typical when it proclaimed in an editorial “we're all 'right wing' now” and ended by congratulating the institute for “daring to dissent. May it do so for another 30 years.” This piece was reprinted in the Ottawa Citizen and the Windsor Star. National Post columnist Lorne Gunter reported that “the Fraser Institute is so highly regarded that not only was the room chock block [sic] full of prominent provincial and national conservative politicians, organizers, consultants, academics and volunteers, it was also full of financiers of conservative parties and causes.” As my new book, Not A Conspiracy Theory, points out, no one in the media asked the obvious question: Where does the Fraser Institute get its money? Who are these financiers of conservative parties and causes? Gunter didn't mention any names ... Destroyed
documents: uncovering the science that Imperial Tobacco Canada sought
to conceal Background: In 1992, British American Tobacco had its Canadian affiliate, Imperial Tobacco Canada, destroy internal research documents that could expose the company to liability or embarrassment. Sixty of these destroyed documents were subsequently uncovered in British American Tobacco's files. . . . Results: Imperial Tobacco destroyed documents that included evidence from scientific reviews prepared by British American Tobacco's researchers, as well as 47 origin al research studies, 35 of which examined the biological activity and carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke. The documents also describe British American Tobacco research on cigarette modifications and toxic emissions, including the ways in which consumers adapted their smoking behaviour in response to these modifications. The documents also depict a comprehensive research program on the pharmacology of nicotine and the central role of nicotine in smoking behaviour. British American Tobacco scientists noted that "... the present scale of the tobacco industry is largely dependent on the intensity and nature of the pharmacological action of nicotine," and that "... should nicotine become less attractive to smokers, the future of the tobacco industry would become less secure." Interpretation: The scientific evidence contained in the documents
destroyed by Imperial Tobacco demonstrates that British American Tobacco
had collected evidence that cigarette smoke was carcinogenic and addictive.
The evidence that Imperial Tobacco sought to destroy had important implications
for government regulation of tobacco ... Notorious
inmates to challenge prison smoking ban MONTREAL Nineteen inmates serving lengthy federal sentences a who’s who of notorious Quebec killers and gangsters will argue in court this coming week that a complete smoking ban introduced in federal prisons last year tramples their rights. Prohibiting smoking violates prisoners’ right to “life, liberty
and security of the person” and constitutes “cruel and unusual
treatment,” the prisoners argue in a Federal Court action seeking
to overturn the ban. “The decision to implement a total smoking ban by (Correctional Service of Canada) management was made to protect the health and safety of staff and offenders,” agency spokeswoman Marilyne Guevremont said, declining further comment because the case is before the courts. The plaintiffs, who had been smoking an average of two packs a day, include Gerald Matticks, the drug-trafficking leader of Montreal’s West End Gang, Benoit Guimond, a biker who shot a teenager outside a Montreal nightclub, and Daniel Patry, who murdered the puppeteer behind a popular Quebec children’s show. Many of them are serving life sentences for murder, but take away their cigarettes and they become trembling, nervous wrecks, court documents suggest. ... Truckers
fuming mad over smoking fine Outdoor
smoking issue still up in the air The debate continues at Timmins city council on whether it will ban smoking for outdoor locations such as playgrounds, beaches, parks and recreational fields. So far council has had one reading of the bylaw, which was approved. In order for the draft bylaw to be enacted, council will have to pass three readings. A formal second reading of the draft bylaw will be held later this month. The issue was brought back to council on Monday for debate and public input. The only citizen input so far has been through a series of letters and e-mails from members of the public. ... Ont.
man fined $305 for smoking in workplace - his truck TORONTO — An Ontario truck driver has been fined $305 for smoking in the rig of a tractor-trailer because it is considered a workplace. Provincial police pulled over a truck on Highway 401 near Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday when the driver was seen smoking. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act adopted in 2006 prohibits smoking in enclosed workplaces and public areas, such as bars and restaurants. Neil MacKenzie, the manager of tobacco programs for the Windsor-Essex
County Health Unit, said even a farmer's enclosed tractor would be considered
a work environment. ... HRM
restricts smoking outdoors Smokers take note: You will need to butt out at hundreds of outdoor sites owned by the Halifax Regional Municipality. Halifax regional council unanimously adopted a policy Tuesday to restrict smoking at about 480 outdoor venues where children are present, such as parks, rinks and sports fields. ... Waterloo
Region Housing considers smoke free policy New tenants moving into Waterloo Region Housing will likely not be allowed to smoke inside their units. The policy was passed at the committee level this afternoon. If it's
approved by regional council, it will come into effect in April of next
year. ... Waterloo
region considers smoking ban in public housing after residents’
complaints Complaints from tenants about second-hand smoke have prompted Waterloo Region to consider banning smoking in their multi-unit dwellings. “In general, I would support some kind of restrictions with respect to second-hand smoke” said Coun. Sean Strickland, chair of regional council’s community services committee, which oversees regional housing. A report on the issue is slated to be before regional council next
month. The region receives an average of five calls a month from tenants complaining about second-hand smoke seeping into their dwellings from other units and open windows. First
Quebec Decision on the Validity of a No Smoking Policy ... Source: Ogilvy Renault LLP - A policy implementing a total ban on smoking anywhere on an employer's property was recently deemed legal, by arbitrator Jean-Pierre Lussier, in Pratt & Whitney et TCA Quebec, section locale 510. The total ban on smoking included parking lots and all outdoor areas and applied to everyone: employees, suppliers, customers, subcontractors and visitors. ... EDITORIAL
Smoke gets in fewer eyes As of Tuesday, amendments to P.E.I.’s Smoke Free Places Act, which eliminate exemptions that permitted businesses and buildings to have designated smoking rooms, come into effect. Smokers will no longer be allowed to light up on hospital grounds and those with children under 19 won’t be permitted, by law, to smoke in vehicles where children are present. Smoking at public places and businesses will also be banned. But those frequenting the province’s hot spots and bars will catch a break. Smoking will still be allowed on patios and decks of restaurants and licensed established, but only between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. To say the changes are welcome by the P.E.I. division of the Canadian Cancer Society and the P.E.I. Lung Association is an understatement. ... Butting
out: council to get look at proposed bylaw next week City council will be asked Monday to pass a bylaw that would bring smokers one step closer to butting out at city-owned parks and playgrounds. At its last meeting, council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the city solicitor to pen the bylaw. Ward 2 Coun. Terry Sheehan abstained from voting because there was no public consultation on the bylaw. ... City
hall briefs: City continues to look at possible beach butt ban The City of Kamloops is pondering having smokers butt out at public beaches. But whether that means enforcing a bylaw banning smoking or staying out of the smoldering debate remains to be determined. At the encouragement of the Interior Health Authority, city council entertained a motion last week to initiate an anti-smoking policy for public beaches. Reasons given to go ahead with a ban were litter, fire prevention and overall heath. However, the motion was defeated because of issues around bylaw enforcement and public awareness. ... Butt
ban debate reignites Recently Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada called on Ottawa to follow the example of Kingston and a couple dozen other Canadian municipalities and ban smoking on restaurant and bar patios. It is now illegal to smoke on any bar or restaurant patio covered by a roof. Some bar owners get around that loophole by clustering tables with umbrellas. That's one of the problems with expanding the bylaw to include all patios, or sports fields and beaches, said Linda Anderson, manager of bylaw and regulatory services for the City of Ottawa. How do you enforce it? "We wouldn't have sufficient resources," said Anderson. "We strongly believe if you pass regulations, you have to have the ability to enforce them. Otherwise it's just a suggestion and people who see it as a good thing get frustrated." The town of Quinte West hopes its residents will police themselves. On the suggestion of a group of high school students, it passed a bylaw in July banning smoking within 25 metres of all outdoor sports fields and playgrounds. ... Butting
out at the beach Interior Health has requested that municipalities with beach areas encourage a smoke-free area on beach property. The goal is threefold including litter reduction, fire prevention and
offering a responsible model for children and teens. ... Village
explores smoking ban for beaches, parks In a decision made after addressing a letter sent to council from the Interior Health Authority, Nakusp has decided to consider banning smoking on the public beach and in park and recreational areas. When the issue came up at the Aug. 25 council meeting, Nakusp Mayor
Karen Hamling proposed a motion to amend a current policy to follow
through with the ban, with councillor’s Ulli Mueller and Joseph
Hughes speaking in favour. ... Patio
smoking ban urged An Ottawa-based group is calling for a ban to end smoking on patios, and local health officials say a similar ban in the city would be a welcome step in the right direction. Physicians for a Smoke Free Canada is asking Ottawa city council to consider banning smoking on bar patios. There is currently no such ban being proposed in Peterborough. Ingrid Cathcart, a tobacco enforcement officer with the Peterborough
County-City Health Unit, said a ban in Peterborough would be an extension
of tobacco restrictions that are already in place. ... DNV
looks at public space smoking ban Eastern
Health prepares to go smoke and tobacco free Sept. 23 Council
agrees to ban smoking in parks Ottawa
pushed to bansmoking on patios A doctors' group wants Ottawa to take its smoking ban a step further and make it illegal to light up on restaurant and bar patios. Cynthia Callard, the executive director of Physicians for a Smoke Free
Canada, said she's "disappointed" the city hasn't moved to
ban smoking on patios because "it's a real health hazard"
for those who wait on tables and for patrons. ... Building
Research Capacity for Evidence-informed Tobacco Control in Canada: A
Case Description More
young NB men smoke Numbers from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey indicate that New Brunswick's smoker rate was 19.9 per cent in 2008, representing about 145,000 people. The year before, the province's smoker rate was 21.2 per cent. Statistics Canada said the rate remains about even when considering
the margin of error. ... Smoking
ban extended to Kelowna's natural areas Smokers
caught lighting up outdoors in West Van face stiff fines West Van council has voted in favour of introducing stricter regulations on top of the provincial government’s 2008 outdoor smoking laws, extending bans to patios, parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, including outdoor skateboard parks. The district also further extended B.C.’s three- metre rule to six metres for smoking next to building entrances or air ducts. People guilty of breaking the new regulations could face a fine up to $10,000. “It will make dining on the side walks of West Vancouver much more enjoyable,” Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones said. ... Playground smoking
ban in the works Visitors to some of Midland’s parks will soon have to butt out. Tamara Hrizo agreed, telling The Mirror it’s wrong for kids to be subjected to secondhand smoke no matter where they are. ... Alberta
Reports 7.5 Percent Drop In Cigarette Smoking Due To ... Calgary, Alberta (AHN) - What health warnings could not achieve, higher tobacco taxes effectively reduced smoking among Alberta residents. According to the Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta, there was a 7.5 percent cut in cigarette smoking among residents of the province in 2008 because of the 63 cents hike in tobacco tax. The campaign also attributed the reduction in lighting up to a ban
on smoking in the workplace across Alberta beginning also in 2008. ... Adj-Tos
looking at parks smoking ban Adjala-Tosorontio is looking at partially banning smoking in township parks. Coun. Joy Webster brought the idea up at a council meeting Monday night (July 20). Webster said concerned parents have approached her and said people smoking at children's sports events set a bad example for kids and jeopardizes their health. She said she went to a game and was surprised to see how prevalent smoking is. She said it is not only a problem for the kids, but for the parents sitting in the stands. "If you have a child around you that is asthmatic, then you have to move," she said. Webster wants to see council pass a resolution that would have signs posted at municipal parks and would give umpires and referees the ability to ask people to leave the park if they're smoking when children are playing nearby. ... BC
parks ban smoking, barbecues, campfires The extreme risk of fires has prompted officials across southern B.C. to crack down on any activities that could spark a forest fire. The Vancouver Park Board banned smoking, open fires and barbecues in local parks after raising the fire hazard rating to extreme because of the hot dry weather, on Wednesday. One fire started by a discarded cigarette was extinguished this week
in Stanley Park, said officials. Visitors to parks are asked to take
extra caution, particularly in heavily forested areas, stay on trails
and report and signs of smoke or fire by calling 911 ... Council
told to ban smoking in parks, playgrounds and beaches Timmins City Council has sparked up the fiery issue of whether smokers should be welcome in open-air public areas such as beaches and parks in the city. The issue was re-ignited Monday night by the Whisper Out Loud Youth Alliance group, sponsored by the Porcupine Health Unit, which first approached council in February. The young people presented council with a draft bylaw for consideration. The bylaw is styled after one in Collingwood, Ontario, where outdoor smoking is banned within 25 metres of most public playgrounds and gathering places. Council has decided it will review the proposed bylaw, and then hold meetings in the fall where the public can voice its opinions on whether citizens in Timmins are ready to accept such a bylaw. The bylaw proposes a smoking ban within 25 metres of any playground or playground equipment and within 15 metres of any recreational field. ... City
staff to look at apt. buildings A North Vancouver man is asking council to consider a city-wide ban on smoking in multi-family buildings. Sean Soper, a teacher, told council on Monday that in both his first rental apartment and the condominium he eventually bought in central Lonsdale, he "was constantly bombarded by second-hand smoke on a daily basis. Being an active individual who cares about his health it was hard for me to deal with that," he said. ... Factors
Associated With the Adoption of a Smoking Ban in Quebec Households.
Langley
driver gets BC's first ticket for smoking with child in car RCMP have handed out B.C.'s first ticket to a driver for lighting up with a child in his car. Police pulled over the man at a roadblock in Langley on Sunday while he was smoking with a 13-year-old in the car. The driver was slapped with a ticket for $109, as well as a 24-hour suspension for driving under the influence of alcohol. His name was not released by police, and it is not clear if he was eventually charged for drinking and driving. ... Council
butts out, this time City councillors are butting out of the contentious issue of banning smoking in public housing. They voted against taking a position yesterday, instead referring the issue to CityHousing's independent board for consideration. "The devil is in the details," said Councillor Chad Collins, adding it's difficult for the city to take a position when it doesn't know how the restrictions would be implemented. "There's still a lot of work to be done. I see this as the start of the process." Public health staff had recommended the Board of Health, which includes all councillors, endorse a smoking ban for all new housing properties and some existing units as they turn over. The position would then be forwarded to the CityHousing's board to be considered for a formal policy. ... Township
toughening smoking bylaw Clearview Township council has instructed staff to draft an amendment to the Smoke Free Public Places Bylaw that will prohibit smoking at sports playing fields, children’s playgrounds and entrances to public buildings. The amendment would also make it illegal to smoke within nine metres of any such places. If approved later this summer, the amendment would also ban smoking at any municipal park where entertainment is presented. The Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit requested the amendment to
Clearview’s bylaw at last Monday night’s council meeting.
... Article
4 petitions MP to change smoking rules A group of local youths are doing what they can to change the rules when it comes to tobacco marketing schemes. Article 4, a group of Barrie anti-tobacco youth advocates with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, handed Barrie MP Patrick Brown a petition last Friday. The group has been collecting signatures since March for their Change the Rules campaign. "(Tobacco) marketing is trying to appeal to youth," said Kara Thomson-Ryczko, a health unit representative. "The products have really nice names like 'Berry Cherry' to attract kids." Brown promised to register the petition and present it to the House of Commons. Article 4 was created in December 2005 when a Ministry of Health Promotion
gave health units in Ontario funding for a Youth Action Alliance. ... Workplace
smoking ban on deck in Sask. REGINA — Tobacco-control advocates are hoping the workplace smoking ban in Saskatchewan, which takes effect Sunday, will reduce smoking rates in this province. For three years running Saskatchewan has had the highest smoking rates in the country and the highest youth smoking rate, said Donna Pasiechnik, the Canadian Cancer Society Saskatchewan's tobacco control co-ordinator. ... Quebec
is considering a law banning smoking in vehicles with a minor present
Health Minister Yves Bolduc supports a proposal put forward during a provincial Liberal council meeting in Montreal this past weekend. He brushed off concerns that the eventual legislation could be criticized for trampling on individual rights. He says lighting up is a choice but inhaling second-hand smoke often isn't. ... Smoking
ban takes effect July 1 Smokers won't be lighting up Barrie's waterfront on Canada Day. Or at least not legally. Effective July 1, smoking is banned at city parks, playgrounds, sports fields, spectator areas and near recreation centres. Designated city parking lots will be exempt from the ban. Smoking is already banned indoors in public places and workplaces in
Barrie, as it is across Ontario. ... Quebec
may ban smoking in cars with children present MONTREAL - The Quebec government is considering banning smoking in cars when children under age 16 are present, an aide to Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc says. Marie-Eve Bedard said Tuesday that Bolduc is ``particularly favourable'' to such a measure, which wouldn't take effect until May 2010, by which time the current anti-tobacco law is to have been reviewed and updated. Bolduc is meeting with public health officials this week to review the anti- tobacco law and its application before deciding what new measures might be added, she said. ``This is a tool that is being used in other provinces,'' she said. ``It's a question of seeing how this would be applied, since the car is considered a private space. It might require changes to legislation, but if we can improve the health of people we'll do it. That's the aim of the anti-tobacco law.'' New
hospital smoking ban off to a hazy start in Regina NB
to ban smoking in cars with kids FREDERICTON - The provincial government is going to pass a law making it illegal to smoke in vehicles carrying children, the Times & Transcript has learned. Health Minister Mike Murphy confirmed he will make an announcement this afternoon to outline legislation that would ban New Brunswickers from smoking in cars with children under the age of 16. "Secondary smoke has been proven as a cause of illness amongst children and adults," said Murphy. The ban will also promote public awareness of the dangers of smoking, said Murphy. The provincial government doesn't plan to hire anyone to enforce the ban, he said, adding it's simply another ticketable offence that peace officers will oversee. Butt
out near playgrounds, city says Smoking near playgrounds, soccer fields and baseball diamonds in Owen Sound is to be discouraged under a new city policy. People who disobey a policy are not subject to a fine, which could apply if the city passed a bylaw. The intent is to curb smoking near children's play areas through education, rather than enforcement, said Coun. Jim McManaman, chairman of the city's recreation and parks advisory committee. "It's worked well in other areas and we're hoping it will work well here as well," he said during Monday's city council meeting. Fine
introduced for second hand smoking in cars The BC government has set $109, as the fine, for those caught smoking in vehicles with children under the age of 16.
That's the same as the province's booster seat fine and, failure to pay, will result in a refusal to issue, both a driver's licence and auto insurance.
The new regulations are set to go into effect on April 7th, which is
World Health Day. Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak says,
"Any level of second hand smoke has harmful effect on a child's
health and, it's important for the government to help them get the best
and healthiest start in life". Council
nixes smoking City
ponders broader butt ban Outdoors on city property could soon be off-limits to smokers. Barrie councillors will consider a motion tonight to ban tobacco use outdoors on all city-owned land, such as parks, playgrounds and sports fields, and near recreation centres. Signs would be posted and the fine for lighting up could be $100. Coun. Andrew Prince asked in September 2007 to prohibit smoking within nine metres of city facilities with programming for children. That notion evolved into an outdoor ban, and Prince doesn't see any
problems with enforcement. Crary
Park smoking ban eyed Smoking
meeting set for Wednesday Woman
Charged For Smoking In Car With Kids A woman is facing charges under the new no-smoking-with-kids-in-the car law. OPP officers say the 29 year old Sarnia-area woman was smoking with
five young children in the vehicle. Smoking
Banned At Toronto Playgrounds Parents will soon have more ammunition in their battle make their children's environment smoke-free. In response to a staff report that found being close to smokers outdoors could be as dangerous as in confined spaces, Toronto city councillors voted Tuesday night to prohibit smoking anywhere within nine metres of a city playground, splash pad or wading pool. The ban also includes Riverdale Farm and High Park Zoo. City
looks at smoke free rec facilities Owen Sound residents may have to butt out at recreational facilities. The city's recreation and parks committee will create a policy that bans people from smoking near playgrounds, baseball diamonds and other recreational spaces. Chair Tom Pink says having smoke free sporting events will hopefully stop kids from picking up the habit. If the policy is approved, parks and sports fields will have signs asking people to smoke away from spectators and players. The committee discussed banning smoking in the entranceways of the Bayshore Community Centre, and other arenas. Smoke-free
public places OK, poll finds Canadian
Cancer Society calls for bus stop butt ban Smokers shouldn’t be able to light up at the bus stop, says the Canadian Cancer Society — and they say most of us agree. A poll done by Corporate Research Associates for the society suggests 82 per cent of people in the Halifax area, and 76 per cent of Nova Scotians, would support a bylaw banning smoking near bus stops. Maureen Summers, head of the society’s Nova Scotia division, says smoking kills more than 1,700 Nova Scotians per year, and drives 21 per cent of the province’s deaths. In a news release, Summers said banning smoking in high-traffic outdoor
areas would help discourage kids and teens from taking up the habit. Ont.
ban on smoking in cars with kids takes effect A new Ontario law comes into effect Wednesday that makes it illegal to smoke in a motor vehicle in the presence of a child under age 16. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act applies to drivers and passengers and to both moving and stationary vehicle, regardless of whether windows, sunroofs or doors are open. The Ministry of Health says violations carry fines of up to $250 and will be enforced by police. "This new law will protect children and youth, who are more vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke," said Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, medical officer of health for the City of Hamilton. Officials
ready for smoking ban The provincial legislation, which carries a fine of $250, is being hailed as a victory by health protection workers and parents trying to protect children from the second-hand smoke. Owen Sound police Insp. Vince Wurfel said city officers have been educated about the new law and fine structure. "We're serious about enforcing all infractions and when we see an infraction, we'll enforce it," he said Wednesday. Const. Steve Starr, media relations officer with Grey County OPP, said police will have the power to pull over drivers who are smoking in a car while a child is inside. Most fines, however, will likely be laid as officers are investigating another traffic infraction. The new legislation, an amendment to the Smoke Free Ontario Act, bans anyone from smoking or having a lit tobacco product in a vehicle when a person under the age of 16 is also inside. The law is enforceable whether windows are up or down or whether the vehicle is in motion or parked. Alberta
passes one of the strongest tobacco control laws in Canada Today the Legislative Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of Bill 45-the Tobacco Reduction Act. The bill represents one of the strongest tobacco control laws in Canada. Only three other provinces-Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia-have passed similar legislation in recent years. The Tobacco Reduction Act will stop tobacco companies from targeting youth in retail stores, will protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke in almost all workplaces, and it will require pharmacies to honour their code of ethics by ending tobacco sales in drugstores. A ban on tobacco sales will also apply to all healthcare facilities and post-secondary institutions in Alberta. Beginning on January 1, Albertans can expect to see almost all workplaces and public establishments become completely smoke-free. Smoking
Bans: Influence on Smoking Prevalence This study found that "Smokers [in Canada] who reported newly smoke-free homes or workplaces were more likely to quit over the next two years, compared with those who did not encounter such restrictions at home or at work." Smoking
bans: Influence on smoking prevalence This article reports trends in smoking prevalence and smoking restrictions in Canada since 2000, and examines associations between home and workplacerestrictions and smoking cessation. Data are from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey and the longitudinal component of the National Population Health Survey. Trends in smoking prevalence and smoking restrictions were calculated. Associations between home and workplace smoking restrictions and smoking cessation were examined in the context of the Transtheoretical Model, which proposes that smokers go through five distinct stages in attempting to quit. The likelihood of current and former smokers being at specific stages was studied in relation to smoking restrictions at home and at work. Longitudinal data were used to determine if home and workplace smoking restrictions were predictors of quitting over a two-year period. Since 2000, Canadians smokers have faced a growing number of restrictions on where they can smoke. Bans at home and at work were associated with a reduced likelihood of being in the initial "stages of change," and an increased likelihood of being in the latter stages. Smokers who reported newly smoke-free homes or workplaces were more likely to quit over the next two years, compared with those who did not encounter such restrictions at home or at work. AFL
Joins Campaign for Province-Wide Smoking Ban EDMONTON, April 18 /CNW/ - The AFL joined with Action "For us smoking in the workplace is
an occupational health and safety "Tobacco smoke contains over 50 known carcinogens, including benzene, formaldehyde, cadmium and lead," observes McGowan. "If workers in bars were being exposed to coal dust at the levels they inhale second-hand smoke, the government would have put a stop to it. Had bingo workers been exposed to asbestos at these levels, the government would have cracked down." "They need to act now to eliminate exposure to tobacco smoke." McGowan points out that food and beverage workers have three to six times more exposure to second hand smoke than other workers. As a result, non-smoking workers in the food service industry have a 50% greater risk of cancer than other non-smokers. "This is why we must act," urges McGowan. "We will be mobilizing our members to contact their MLA in the next few weeks demanding a province-wide smoking ban," says McGowan. "We are one of only two provinces without one. Let's hope we don't end up being the last province without a complete ban." Belleville
- Board of health glad to see a smoke-free Ontario Quebec
says smoking ban won't lead to economic disaster The smoking ban that takes effect at midnight Tuesday will help the economy, and not be the kick in the cash register bar owners fear, Quebec's health minister insists. |
| Smokefree
Travel |
|
Here are some of the smokefree cities in Canada. Visit Canada's tourism site for travel information. British Columbia Manitoba (Winnepeg) New Brunswick Nunavut Northwest Territories Ontario Saskatchewan All restaurants and bars must be 100% smokefree (as of 1/1/05). |
| Smokefree
Ads |
|
Sault Ste. Marie special 8-page newspaper section for implementation of smokefree law. |