Callander smokers get butts kicked tonight

Callander will go smoke-free beginning at midnight.
Further information is included in the following news release issued today by the North Bay and District Health Unit:
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The Municipality of Callander’s 100 per cent smoke-free by-law comes into effect on Wednesday, September 15 at midnight for all public places and workplaces, protecting approximately 80 per cent of the people in North Bay and the district from second-hand smoke exposure.

“Municipalities have shown tremendous leadership by passing and implementing such comprehensive smoke-free by-laws. Passing these bylaws is the single most important health intervention available at the municipal level of government,” said Dr Whiting, medical officer of health. “All lungs need to be protected from second-hand smoke and Callander can stand proud for taking action on this health issue.”

Callander joins North Bay, West Nipissing and East Ferris in enacting by-laws that equally apply to all workplaces and public places.

“Our community could not wait any longer for the province to act. We needed to be proactive to ensure all workers are treated equally in our municipality. No one should be at risk of illness or disease as a result of exposure to second-hand smoke at work,” said Bill Brazeau, mayor of the Municipality of Callander. “We are pleased that our council is so progressive and can move forward positively to address difficult issues.”

The province has stated its intentions to pass legislation banning smoking in the workplace and public places by 2006. As a result, municipalities have either taken the lead to ensure the protection of workers from second-hand smoke, or have chosen to wait for the province. The Board of Health has passed a resolution and forwarded it to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care asking the province to accelerate the process to ensure all citizens are protected from the illness and death associated with second-hand smoke exposure.

“Our district should take pride in the fact that municipalities are passing similar by-laws, all of which provide a level playing field for businesses,” said Whiting.

Similar to the enforcement process for by-laws in the other three municipalities in the district, the Health Unit will be enforcing the 100 per cent smoke-free by-law in Callander. Education kits are available to help Callander business owners and proprietors implement the by-law. The public is encouraged to call the Health Unit if they have concerns about places that are not compliant.

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s web site at www.nbdhu.on.ca or call (705) 474-1400.