Proposed New Law Would Ban Smoking In Motor Vehicles

    McGuinty Government Protecting Children's Health

    TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ -

    NEWS

    The Ontario government introduced legislation today that, if passed,
would ban smoking in motor vehicles with children present.
    Second-hand smoke in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times more
concentrated than in a smoker's home.
    Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer health
problems such as sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, and cancer and cardiac
disease later in life. Second-hand smoke can also influence a child's ability
to reason and understand, and can negatively impact behaviour and attention
span.
    Ontario has one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in North America. Since
2003, tobacco consumption in Ontario has fallen by more than 30 per cent.

    QUOTES

    "We have heard from Ontarians on this issue and are taking decisive
action," said Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best. "This proposed ban is
an important step in our efforts to protect Ontarians from the dangers of
tobacco use."

    "I am extremely pleased that Premier McGuinty and Minister Best are
moving forward with legislation to protect Ontario's children from the harmful
effects of second-hand smoke in automobiles," said David Orazietti, MPP for
Sault Ste. Marie, who introduced the issue in a Private Member's Bill. "This
initiative is an important step in our government's continuing commitment to
make Ontario a healthier place to live."

    Ontario Medical Association President Dr. Janice Willett added,
"Ontario's doctors applaud the government's decision to ban smoking in cars
with kids. The health effects of second-hand smoke - in adults and children
alike - are undeniable. This initiative is an important step forward in
protecting our children's health."

    QUICK FACTS-   Under the proposed law, any person - driver or passenger - in the
        motor vehicle, who is smoking while someone else under the age of 16
        is present, would be committing an offence.
    -   The proposed law would apply to both moving and stationary vehicles,
        and would apply to motor vehicles, regardless of whether any window,
        sunroof, rooftop, door, or other feature of the vehicle is open.
    -   If the Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act, 2008 is passed, every person
        who fails to comply with the proposed prohibition would be guilty of
        an offence and subject to a set fine of $250.
    -   Nova Scotia, Yukon, Arkansas, California, Maine, Louisiana, Puerto
        Rico, South Australia and Tasmania have already banned smoking in
        motor vehicles with kids.

    LEARN MORE

    Learn about the health effects of second-hand smoke
    (www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/smoke_free/fact_sheets/041505-tobacco_
    2hand.pdf).

    Find out where to get help to quit smoking (www.smokershelpline.ca).

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For further information: Rick Byun, Minister's Office, [phone];
Julie Rosenberg, Communications, [phone]