Government Willing to Debate Possibility of Province-Wide Smoking Ban

HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law, January 2005

On January 21, 2005, the Alberta Premier Ralph Klein backed off his declaration that there won't be a province-wide smoking ban while he's in charge, saying he's now open to having a debate on the issue. The Alberta government believes that municipalities should handle smoking by-laws including necessary bans, but has decided to let the people decide. It goes without saying that provisions banning smoking in all public places across Alberta would minimize and help prevent the harm caused by second hand smoke to individuals including employees.

Health Minister Iris Evans stated that she hopes to have a draft of the legislation ready by the end of February for review by the Standing Policy Committee before it is submitted to public hearings.

Many interested stakeholders informed the government that their stance against legislation to ban smoking in all public places went against their wellness strategies to build strong communities. However, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission’s (AADAC) 2003/04 ATRS highlights report shows tobacco use in Alberta is declining: fewer Albertans are smoking and sales of tobacco products are down in the province. The overall smoking rate in the province declined from 25% in 2001 to 20% in 2003. This represents approximately 100,000 fewer smokers in the province over the past two years.

The AADAC is an agency of the Government of Alberta; AADAC operates and funds information, prevention and treatment services to help Albertans with alcohol, drug and gambling problems. For more information on the AADAC, visit their website.

Another survey of interest was held recently by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) as part of a project to promote a smoke-free environment in Alberta. Results of the survey on Municipal Smoking Bylaws can be found by clicking here.

By Yosie Saint-Cyr, Editor at HRinfodesk

Published on HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law

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