One minute after midnight on Jan. 1, 2008, smoking will be prohibited in all workplaces and public spaces – a measure that is long overdue. The provincial government passed the Tobacco Reduction Act in mid-November. In addition to workplaces and public spaces, smokers will be prohibited from lighting up within a specified distance from windows, doorways and air intakes of public places to protect indoor air quality. The Alberta Government should be commended for finally catching up with other provinces such as Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario in passing tough anti-smoking legislation. Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Dave Hancock pronounced this an important issue. “We need to reduce smoking and the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in our province,” said the minister in the news release. “Every year, 3,400 Albertans die from tobacco-related causes and the province spends about $471 million on health care costs directly attributed to tobacco use.” If these numbers alone do not justify this legislation, what will? The minister adds that the Tobacco Reduction Act is part of the government’s wellness agenda. But the Act will do more than just ban smoking in workplaces and public spaces. For instance, tobacco products will no longer be displayed or advertised in places where they are sold. In other words, they will have to be stored out of sight. In addition, effective Jan. 1, 2009, tobacco products will no longer be sold in health facilities, the campus of a public post-secondary institution or pharmacies. Further, they cannot be sold in a retail store if a pharmacy is located in the retail store; or if customers of the pharmacy can enter the retail store directly; or by the use of a corridor or area used exclusively to connect the pharmacy with the retail store. No doubt, smokers rights groups and businesses are decrying the Tobacco Reduction Act. Smokers will feel that they are being targeted unfairly, and their options for where and when they’re allowed to smoke are already being restricted. Businesses like restaurants, licensed establishments and bingo halls will no doubt insist that they will lose profits because of the Act. That may be the case. BUT, those who do not smoke – and those smokers who are trying to quit – should not be subjected to the health risks associated with cancer sticks. The right to a healthy environment in workplaces and public places overrides any consideration for smokers. The ban on smoking may extend even further. Nova Scotia’s Conservative Government is backing a Liberal bill to make it illegal, province wide, to light up in a vehicle carrying anyone under 18. That bill is still in the initial stages, with public hearings to be held. But if passed, similar measures could become law in other parts of the country – which is only appropriate. So, as the New Year rings in, enjoy a smoke-free environment in your workplace and in all public places. Also, consider this an opportunity to butt out permanently. Your health, not to mention the health of your co-workers, friends and children, will benefit greatly from the Tobacco Reduction Act.

Copyright © 2002 Smoky River Express. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster