NEWS: News Release
January 21, 2009
DRIVING WITH KIDS? DON’T SMOKE – IT’S NOW THE LAW
McGuinty Government Protects Children’s Health
NEWS
A new law prohibiting Ontarians from smoking in motor vehicles with passengers under 16 comes into effect today.
The legislation is part of the McGuinty government’s Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, a plan that encourages young people not to smoke, helps smokers quit, and protects people from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Under the law, a driver or passenger smoking in a motor vehicle, while someone else under the age of 16 is present, is committing an offence, and can be fined up to $250.
Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma.
QUOTES
“Second-hand smoke is dangerous to our children,” said Margarett Best, Ontario’s Minister of Health Promotion. “This new law demonstrates the McGuinty government’s commitment to the health of our children, and to a smoke-free Ontario.”
“The Ontario Lung Association applauds the Ontario Government for enacting this law, which will help protect our children from the dangers of second-hand smoke in the car,” said George Habib, President and CEO, Ontario Lung Association. “Parents already take so many steps to protect their children, not smoking in the car with young passengers is another way to help keep children safe.”
“The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has long advocated for a ban on smoking in cars carrying children. Ontario’s doctors want to congratulate the McGuinty government, Minister Best, David Orazietti and all members of the legislature, for the work that has been done in implementing this important legislation,” said Dr. Ken Arnold, President of the OMA. “By ensuring the protection of Ontario’s children from second-hand-smoke in vehicles today, we are helping them to continue to live healthy lives in the future.”
QUICK FACTS
- Second-hand smoke levels in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times greater than in a smoker’s home.
- Ontario has one of the most comprehensive smoke-free strategies in North America, including one of the toughest laws to protect people from second-hand smoke in restaurants, bars, offices, schools, day care centres and hospitals.
- Since 2003, tobacco consumption in Ontario has fallen by more than 30 per cent.
LEARN MORE
Learn about the health effects of second-hand smoke and the smoking in motor vehicles legislation.
Want some help to quit smoking? Call the Smokers’ HelpLine at 1-877-513-5333, or visit www.smokershelpline.ca.
Lise Jolicoeur, Minister’s Office, 416-326-8497
Julie Rosenberg, Communications, 416-326-4833
