Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

The Government of Alberta is following the lead of non-smoking advocates by setting the wheels in motion for proposed legislation banning smoking in all public places by as early as next spring. The Tobacco Reduction Act will prohibit smoking in all public places and workplaces. Other changes proposed under the legislation will ban tobacco power walls and other promotional displays in retail outlets. Tobacco products will no longer be permitted for sale in pharmacies, public colleges and universities. “Support for this legislation makes this an historic day in Alberta, especially as we celebrate World No Tobacco Day (May 31),” said Dave Hancock, Minister of Health and Wellness. “The health of Albertans, particularly our young people, is paramount in this proposed legislation. Sadly, every year 3,400 Albertans lose their life from tobacco related causes.” The Tobacco Reduction Act, if passed in the legislature, would effectively amend the Smoke-free Places Act which prohibits smoking in public places accessible to minors. “The proposals under the Tobacco Reduction Act will strengthen our efforts to protect Albertans from the dangers of second-hand smoke and reduce overall tobacco use,” adds Minister Hancock. “While smoking remains an individual choice, this legislation is intended to help reduce the long-term health and human costs associated with tobacco use. This legislation will help us create a healthier population and build a more sustainable health care system.” If passed by the legislative Alberta will join the majority of provinces which prohibit smoking in all public places and workplaces. A number of provinces have enacted legislation that bans visual displays of tobacco products, as well as legislation that prohibits tobacco sales in pharmacies, schools and health care facilities. The news comes just weeks after the government endorses a tobacco tax increase in the 2007 provincial budget in an effort to curb smoking and promote a healthier lifestyle. On April 19, the government once again hit smokers in the wallet by introducing a 16 per cent increase in tobacco taxes in an effort to convince smokers to butt out. The tax on a carton of cigarettes rose by $5 to $37. Protection from second-hand smoke and actions to reduce tobacco use supports Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to improve Albertans’ quality of life – an issue which failed to be addressed under the former regime of Ralph Klein, a smoker. Tobacco Reduction Act proposals The guts of the proposed legislation includes prohibiting smoking in all public places and workplaces. The legislation removes the exceptions provision in the Smoke-free Places Act, which presently allows smoking in designated smoking rooms and public workplaces that exclude minors (ie., bars and bingo halls). The Tobacco Reduction Act also prohibits smoking within a prescribed distance from windows and doorways of those places where smoking is prohibited under the Act to protect indoor air quality. Other highlights include: . Ban power walls and other tobacco retail displays and promotion; . The Tobacco Reduction Act prohibits the display, advertising and promotion of tobacco products at the retail level; . Prohibit the sale of tobacco products in designated places, including pharmacies; and . Prohibit the sale of tobacco from health care facilities, and university campuses. Tobacco tax increase On April 19, tobacco taxes increased by 16 per cent in an effort to reduce smoking and promote a healthier lifestyle. The tax on a carton of cigarettes rose by $5 to $37. Tobacco use statistics . Every year 3,400 Albertans die from tobacco-related causes - 100 per cent preventable. . The province spends about $471 million annually on health care costs directly attributed to tobacco use. . Costs due to lost productivity, fires, and property damage are estimated at $1.8 billion annually. . The vast majority of smokers become smokers before they turn 18. . 80 per cent of Albertans support a smoking ban in all workplaces and public places.

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