York wants Canada declared smoke-free

York Regional council recently passed a resolution asking the federal government to declare itself a leader in smoke-free legislation and enact legislation to make all public places and indoor workplaces in Canada smoke-free.

Nine countries around the world already have comprehensive smoke-free laws: Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, England, India, Uganda and Bhutan, and France was expected to implement smoke-free workplaces beginning this month and smoke-free restaurants starting in January 2008.

In Canada, all provinces and territories have some form of legislation that prohibits and/or restricts smoking in public places and workplaces, with the exception of the Yukon Territory.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2005 prohibits smoking in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places in Ontario.

In October, Regional council enacted a bylaw to regulate smoking in public places and workplaces.