Nova Scotia Introduces Legislation on Smoke-Free Places

Health Minister Jamie Muir introduced strong legislation today, April 26, that will protect people, especially children and youth, from second-hand tobacco smoke.

An Act to Protect Young Persons and Other Persons from Tobacco Smoke provides for a provincewide ban on smoking in a long list of workplaces and public places. The list includes schools, malls, taxis, theatres and recreational facilities. Smoking will be banned in restaurants -- including outdoor patios -- bars and bingo halls where youth are present, unless it is in an enclosed, strictly ventilated area where youth may not enter.

It will also be illegal for anyone under 19 to possess tobacco.

"This is a first for the province. It's a significant step forward in terms of protecting Nova Scotians, especially children and youth, from second-hand smoke," said Mr. Muir. "This is fair, effective and workable legislation that is among the very strongest in Canada."

Mr. Muir said that the legislation is just one of many ways the Nova Scotia government is tackling the smoking problem.

Nova Scotia increased funding this year for its comprehensive tobacco strategy to $1.5 million. That strategy -- introduced last October -- includes pricing and taxation, community-based programs, youth prevention, treatment and cessation, and media and public awareness.

"Legislation is a powerful part of an overall strategy to reduce smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke," said Steve Machat, public issues co-ordinator of the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division and a member of Smoke-Free Nova Scotia. "We believe this is a significant step. It goes a long way towards ensuring the protection of children and adults, and we'll continue to work with government on the strategy to reduce and prevent smoking."

The Department of Health consulted with a number of groups to develop the strategy in response to alarming smoking statistics.

Nova Scotia has a smoking rate of 30 per cent -- the highest in the country. Each year in this province, tobacco kills 1,650 smokers, and 200 non-smokers die from cancer caused by exposure to second-hand smoke. It costs the health-care system $170 million every year to treat smoking-related illness.

One quarter of Nova Scotians between 15 and 19 years of age smoke. Most try their first cigarette at about 12 and are taking the first steps towards a lifetime of addiction and tobacco- related health problems.

Under the new legislation, it will be illegal for youth to possess tobacco. A peace officer may confiscate tobacco from anyone under the age of 19, but will not charge them with an offence.

Justice Minister Michael Baker said the legislation is consistent with the Tobacco Control Act, which bans the sale of tobacco products to people under 19.

"If youth can't purchase tobacco, they shouldn't be allowed to possess it. Many people, including youth, have told me that," said Mr. Baker. "Possession will not be an offence however. Young people who smoke aren't criminals, they're victims of an industry."

Mr. Baker says the legislation highlights parents' responsibility and he hopes they will support these efforts.

One of the most effective ways to prevent youth from smoking is helping adults, particularly parents, to stop. Much of the tobacco strategy targets both youth and adults with tax increases, television advertising, local quit-smoking programs and, soon, a 1-800 line to help people quit.

"Since we announced our strategy, people have done a tremendous amount of good work across the province to reduce tobacco use, particularly at the community level," said Mr. Muir. "I applaud their efforts and I encourage them to continue."

An increasing number of Nova Scotia municipalities are enacting smoke-free bylaws. Mr. Muir said their bylaws will not be affected by the new provincial legislation.

Nova Scotia joins British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador as the only three provinces with extensive smoke-free places legislation.

The legislation will come into effect on January 1, 2003. A copy of the legislation can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/health .