Released on June 9, 2004
Health Minister John Nilson confirmed again today that the Government of Saskatchewan plans to have Saskatchewan smoke-free by January 1st, 2005."Tobacco use is the leading cause of disease and premature death in Canada," Nilson said. "We want to pass this bill as soon as possible to ensure the smoke-free public place provision comes into force in the new year."
Nilson said that the Official Opposition wants The Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2004 to be directed to policy field committee hearings throughout the fall.
"We are prepared to pass the tobacco legislation in this spring session, but we respect the Opposition's request to hold further public hearings on this matter, which means passage of the bill in the fall session," Nilson said. "If the Opposition changes their position, the government is ready to pass The Tobacco Control Amendment Act immediately, in the remaining days of this sitting of the Legislature."
The Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2004 prohibits smoking in all public places including restaurants, bars, bingo halls, casinos, bowling alleys and private clubs, effective January 1st, 2005.
Other amendments include giving municipalities the jurisdiction to enact bylaws to restrict smoking in outdoor places such as open-air sports events and entrances to public buildings, and a ban on the sale of tobacco products in youth-frequented establishments such as amusement parks, theatres and arcades.
"Becoming a smoke-free province is not an attack on businesses or communities. It is an attack on preventable death and disease," Nilson said. "We want to ensure that we can provide this excellent support for Saskatchewan people who are taking responsibility for protecting their own health and the health of their families and communities."
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| Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083 |