PROVINCE TAKES MAJOR STEPS TO REDUCE TOBACCO USE

VICTORIA – The Tobacco Sales Act is being amended to limit the promotion and sale of tobacco products and ban smoking in all indoor public places, including schools and on school grounds, Health Minister George Abbott announced today.

“We are acting on government’s commitment to fight tobacco use and reduce the damage of second-hand smoke in society,” Abbott said. “Our government continues to act to address preventable diseases and deaths, and the steps taken today will help build a healthier future for the people of our province. Better prevention and the promotion of health are keys to having good health outcomes for British Columbians.”

Tobacco use kills over 6,000 British Columbians each year, and costs the B.C. economy $2.3 billion every year. Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for diseases of the circulatory system, cancers and respiratory diseases, and passive smoke kills up to140 people in B.C. each year.

These amendments will ban:

· smoking in all indoor public spaces, to take effect in 2008;

· tobacco use in schools and on school grounds by September 2007;

· smoking in public doorways, near public doors, windows and air intakes to protect indoor air quality; and

· tobacco sales in public hospital and health facilities; public universities and colleges; public athletic and recreational facilities; and provincial buildings.

The amendments will also allow for regulations to ban:

· the display of tobacco products in all places where tobacco is sold that are accessible to youth under 19, including products like lighters and caps with tobacco brands on them;

· ads that hang from the ceiling, countertop displays, self-serve displays; and

· outdoor tobacco signs.

“Schools need to be healthy and safe places for students and staff,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “By banning smoking on all school property, the Province is teaching our young people about the dangers of tobacco use and encouraging them to make healthy choices that will last them a lifetime.”

“These changes will close a number of gaps in the protection of public health,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall. “It’s so important that we prevent youth and young adults from starting to use tobacco and that we encourage and assist tobacco users to quit or reduce their use of tobacco products.”

“We’re very pleased government is moving forward with this legislation,” said Bobbe Wood, president and CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and Yukon. “Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke has many negative health consequences that increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other serious chronic diseases. Putting in place these new measures is a significant step forward in helping to manage the devastating role that smoking plays in these chronic conditions.”

B.C.’s Tobacco Control Strategy includes school-based programming, public education, protection from second hand smoke, support for cessation, legislation and legal action. The Ministry of Health currently funds stop-smoking programs such as QuitNow.ca, QuitNow by Phone, and Kick the Nic, which are available 24/7 to all British Columbians, with translation services available in 130 languages.

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Media contact:	Marisa Adair Communications Director Ministry of Health 250 920-8500 250 952-1889

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