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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA
– The Province will ban smoking in
all indoor public places, phase out junk food in all provincially-owned
buildings and develop an active kids program to improve the health of British
Columbians, Premier Gordon Campbell announced Saturday.
“We
must make changes to improve our health and reduce pressures on our health care
system if we are going to have a health care system that is sustainable for
future generations,” Campbell said. “Health care costs are growing at two or
three times the rate of our ability to pay and we are going to act now to
encourage British Columbians to lead healthier lives.”
By
2008, smoking will be banned in all indoor public places and starting next
September smoking will be banned on all school property, public and private,
across British Columbia.
Approximately
110 British Columbians die each year from diseases brought on by second-hand
smoke. In 2004, smoking cost the B.C. economy an estimated $2.7 billion. That
same year, 13 per cent of youth between 15 and 19 years of age reported
smoking. Seven other provinces and two territories already have similar
legislation in place.
Premier
Campbell also announced that starting next spring, new contracts with vendors
in provincially-owned public buildings will be for healthy food only, including
hospitals. The Province has already started phasing out junk food in schools.
“We
need to do a better job of helping our kids lead healthy, active lifestyles,”
Campbell said. “That is why we are supporting a new neighbourhood program that
will get our kids out from behind their computers and outside playing again.”
The
Silken’s Active Kids program, inspired and driven by former Olympian Silken
Laumann, will see selected communities across B.C. pilot programs aimed at
getting kids active.
“These
initiatives build on our Pacific Leadership Agenda that includes building
vibrant, connected communities that are socially responsive and environmentally
responsible,” Campbell said. “Together, we are also building a new relationship
with First Nations, improving our competitiveness and productivity, and
capitalizing on our potential as Canada’s Pacific Gateway.”
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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