Health unit urges province to pass smoking ban

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is calling on the Ontario Government to support a private member's bill that would amend the Smoke- Free Ontario Act to include a ban on smoking in private vehicles carrying children under the age of 16.

"Given that the harmful effects of secondhand smoke are well documented, the health unit is taking a lead role to protect all children and is asking all members of the legislature to do the same and support this bill," said health unit board member Doug Skeaff.

"By making it law, more people will become aware of the severe health impact secondhand smoke has on children," he said. "Once they do, we fully expect voluntary compliance will become the rule rather than the exception, similar to the use of children's car seats."

The unit's resolution has been sent to Premier Dalton McGuinty, Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best, Transportation Minister Jim Bradley as well as all local members of provincial parliament.

The health unit joins a large number of others within Ontario, as well as the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, that supports the ban as an important step to reduce the ravages of tobacco use - the number one cause of preventable death and disease in Canada, said Skeaff.

"Ontario has made significant gains in protecting people in public and workplaces from secondhand smoke," said Leslie Gordon, tobacco program coordinator with the health unit. "By extending the legislation to include vehicles carrying children we can ensure those who are most vulnerable, and least able to speak for themselves, will receive that same protection."

It also provides positive role modeling for children, sending the message that tobacco use is not a socially acceptable behavior, she said.

"Long-term, that will help youth make the decision to stay tobacco free," said Gordon.

The momentum to ban smoking in cars carrying children continues to build across the country and is now law in New Brunswick. It moved to centre stage in Ontario in late 2007 when David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie presented a private member's bill in the legislature.

To ensure its passage into law, the health unit is encouraging all residents to call or write their local MPP and Premier McGuinty to express support for the bill.

For more information about the health effects of breathing secondhand smoke, visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth. org, or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721- 7520 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.