Anti-smoking bill passes third reading

Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti
News Release

*************************

QUEEN'S PARK, ON - (June 16) - Today in the Ontario legislature, legislation based on Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti’s private member’s bill that proposed to protect children from second hand smoke in automobiles passed third and final reading.

“I am extremely pleased that the legislature has taken this important step to protect Ontario’s children from the harmful effects of second hand smoke in automobiles,” said Orazietti. “This new law will help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma and a number of other respiratory illnesses among young people and is part of our government’s continuing commitment to make Ontario a healthier place to live.”

Recent studies published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggest that children may be more vulnerable to second hand smoke induced respiratory diseases due to smaller airways, greater oxygen demand and, hence, higher respiratory rates, as well as less-mature immune systems.

The same study, and additional reports released by the Ontario Medical Association, the New England Journal of Medicine, and countless others show that children exposed to second hand smoke show a greater likelihood of respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, and severe asthma symptoms.

“This is about the safety and well-being of our children,” said Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best. “Public education is key to achieving the voluntary compliance that we seek. That is why we intend to deliver a multi-layered campaign to reach people wherever they think about their vehicles and their children.”

Orazietti tabled legislation that would protect children under the age of 16 from second hand smoke in automobiles across the province on December 9, 2007.

On March 5, 2008, Premier McGuinty announced that the provincial government, through the minister of health promotion, would adopt Orazietti’s proposed bill.

New legislation was tabled by Minister Best on April 30, 2008.

Public opinion polls demonstrate that the majority of Ontarians believe that smoking in cars while children are present should be prohibited.

An Ipsos-Reid poll conducted for the Ontario Tobacco Free Network and released on December 9, 2007 found that 80 percent of Ontarians agree that children should be protected from second hand smoke in a vehicle.

The results are part of an increasing trend observed in similar polls asking Ontario residents for their opinion on the issue.

Support for measures to protect children and youth from second hand smoke in 1996 stood at 55 percent, in 2002, 68 percent and 2005 reached 78 percent.

*************************