|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
The McGuinty Government's Historic Smoke-Free Ontario Act
Becomes Law on May 31
TORONTO, May 1 /CNW/ - Today marks the start of the one-month countdown
to May 31, the day the Smoke-Free Ontario Act becomes law, said Health
Promotion Minister Jim Watson.
"The act is an important element of our smoke-free strategy, which is
among the toughest, most far-reaching and most comprehensive tobacco-control
strategies in North America," Watson said. "Ontarians of all ages will soon be
able to breathe easier because of this government's determination to ensure
the health of its citizens."
The government is investing an additional $10 million in the Smoke-Free
Ontario strategy. This $60 million strategy includes the Smoke Free Ontario
Act and campaigns aimed at preventing young people from smoking and helping
smokers to quit.
The new legislation bans smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed
public places to protect workers and the public from the dangers of second-
hand smoke. It also strengthens laws on tobacco sales to minors and restricts
the display of tobacco products in retail outlets. A complete ban on the
retail display of tobacco products will take effect on May 31, 2008.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act also:
- Prohibits smoking on patios that have food and beverage service if
they are either partially or completely covered by a roof
- Protects home health care workers from second-hand smoke when
offering services in private residences
- Permits residential care facilities to operate controlled smoking
areas that are specially designed to ensure nobody outside the room
is exposed to second-hand smoke. The law stipulates who may enter
the area and under what conditions, as well as requirements for
engineering design, function and maintenance of these areas
- Prevents the promotion of tobacco products in entertainment venues
"Evidence from studies around the world overwhelmingly supports the
conclusion that smoking and second-hand smoke costs lives and costs the health
care system," said Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sheela
Basrur. "I applaud the government for its commitment to a smoke-free Ontario."
Disponible en français
More information is available on our website at: www.mhp.gov.on.ca
-30-
For further information: Rui Manuel Estevao, Minister's Office, (416) 326-8497; Julie Rosenberg, Communications Branch, (416) 326-4833
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
