NEWS: News Release
April 30, 2008
PROPOSED NEW LAW WOULD BAN SMOKING IN MOTOR VEHICLES
McGuinty Government Protecting Children’s Health
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.
Find out where to get help to quit smoking.
Rick Byun, Minister’s Office, 416-326-8497
Julie Rosenberg, Communications, 416-326-4833
