Released on December 9, 1999
Tobacco risk and ways to protect people of Saskatchewan from effects of tobaccouse will be the focus of a new legislative committee comprised of members from
both the government and opposition benches.
Associate Minister of Health Judy Junor today introduced a motion, seconded by
Rod Gantefoer (SP-Melfort-Tisdale), calling for members Myron Kowalsky (NDP-
Prince Albert Carlton), Debbie Higgins (NDP-Moose Jaw Wakamow), Mark Wartman
(NDP-Regina Qu'Appelle), Graham Addley (NDP-Saskatoon Sutherland), Doreen
Eagles (SP-Estevan), Bob Bjornerud (SP-Saltcoats), and Brenda Bakken (SP-
Weyburn-Big Muddy) to study the matter and report back to the legislative
assembly in the spring of 2000.
"Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in
Canada," Junor said. "It kills more people than AIDS, illegal drugs, suicides,
murder and traffic accidents. I have very strong feelings about public health
and especially our children's. At the same time, I am also keenly aware of the
financial strain our health system is under and the need to manage that strain
where disease prevention is possible. I feel that the importance of this issue
demands public consultation and that leadership can best be exercised through
co-operative work involving members from both sides of the assembly."
The motion calls for the committee to consider:
The effect of tobacco use in Saskatchewan;
The need for, and content of, tobacco control legislation;
Strategies to protect the public from the risks of second-hand smoke;
and
Strategies to prevent or reduce tobacco use;
particularly as each of these relate to children and youth.
"My department estimates that 1,600 Saskatchewan adults die every year as a
result of smoking. I look forward to the work of my colleagues in the
Legislative Assembly and anticipate that they will come up with effective
solutions to this very important issue," Junor said.
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