Canadian Cancer Society applauds expanded Smoke-Free Places Act

HALIFAX, NS -

The Canadian Cancer Society strongly supports the Government of Nova Scotia’s introduction of legislative framework for cannabis legalization that includes a stronger Smoke-free Places Act. When passed, the list of places where smoking and vaping of cannabis and tobacco is banned will include playgrounds, sport and recreation fields, public trails, and provincial parks and beaches.

“The Canadian Cancer Society has long-advocated for greater smoking restrictions in public places,” said Jane Parsons, Regional Executive Director – Atlantic Canada. “A stronger Smoke-free Places Act means Nova Scotians can now enjoy more of our province’s outdoor spaces with much less exposure to second hand smoke.”

Increasingly, municipalities and provinces are implementing smoke free outdoor laws and policies as the benefits impact both smokers and non-smokers. Fewer outdoor public spaces to smoke limits exposure to second hand smoke, denormalizes the use of tobacco – particularly among youth – and helps smokers quit or reduce their consumption.

• In 2015, New Brunswick adopted the most progressive provincial legislation in Canada banning smoking in outdoor spaces such as provincial parks, beaches, children’s playgrounds, sports fields/areas and jogging/walking trails.
• Municipalities including Halifax, Wolfville and Truro have enacted bylaws and policies to protect the public from exposure to second-hand smoke in outdoor spaces.
• Ontario and Quebec have provincial legislation restricting smoking in outdoor sports fields/areas and children’s playgrounds.

The Canadian Cancer Society remains committed to reducing tobacco consumption and minimizing the devastating effects of tobacco. According with the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey, the smoking rate in Nova Scotia is 19%, compared to the national average of 18%.

For more information on tobacco control visit www.cancer.ca

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.

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