Countdown to a Smoke-Free Ontario

The McGuinty Government's Historic Smoke-Free Ontario Act Becomes Law on May 31

May 1 2006 - Today marks the start of the one-month countdown to May 31, the day the Smoke-Free Ontario Act becomes law, said Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson.

"The act is an important element of our smoke-free strategy, which is among the toughest, most far-reaching and most comprehensive tobacco-control strategies in North America," Watson said. "Ontarians of all ages will soon be able to breathe easier because of this government's determination to ensure the health of its citizens."

The government is investing an additional $10 million in the Smoke-Free Ontario strategy. This $60 million strategy includes the Smoke Free Ontario Act and campaigns aimed at preventing young people from smoking and helping smokers to quit.

The new legislation bans smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places to protect workers and the public from the dangers of second- hand smoke. It also strengthens laws on tobacco sales to minors and restricts the display of tobacco products in retail outlets. A complete ban on the retail display of tobacco products will take effect on May 31, 2008.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act also:

Prohibits smoking on patios that have food and beverage service if they are either partially or completely covered by a roof
Protects home health care workers from second-hand smoke when offering services in private residences
Permits residential care facilities to operate controlled smoking areas that are specially designed to ensure nobody outside the room is exposed to second-hand smoke. The law stipulates who may enter the area and under what conditions, as well as requirements for engineering design, function and maintenance of these areas
Prevents the promotion of tobacco products in entertainment venues

"Evidence from studies around the world overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that smoking and second-hand smoke costs lives and costs the health care system," said Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sheela Basrur. "I applaud the government for its commitment to a smoke-free Ontario."

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