May 31, 2007 (THUNDER BAY & DISTRICT) – One year after the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) has been in place, the McGuinty government continues to improve smoke-free environments for all Ontarians.
“It’s a proud day for the people of Ontario and the entire District of Thunder Bay,” said Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson. “Over the past year, we have worked together to prohibit smoking in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places to protect workers and the public from the hazards of second-hand smoke.”
Watson added that the Smoke-Free Ontario Act is protecting the health of all Ontarians, and they will continue to work tirelessly with members of the district to reduce tobacco consumption numbers in support of the greater goal of building a healthier Ontario.
“I am pleased that in tandem with World No Tobacco day, today also marks the celebration of the first anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act,” said Dr. Nancy Cameron, Medical Officer of Health for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “Studies show that there has been broad compliance and acceptance of the law, and that means we’re fulfilling a commitment to protecting communities from the deadly effects of second-hand smoke.”
Each year, World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world on May 31. This occasion educates the public on the dangers of using tobacco products, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the World Health Organization is doing to fight back and what people around the world can do to protect their health and the health of future generations. This year’s theme is Smoke-Free Environments.
The McGuinty government is focused on the implementation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. It is the most comprehensive tobacco-control strategy Ontario has ever had and it is among the toughest and most far-reaching in North America. This strategy will lead to a reduction in tobacco consumption, an improvement in the health of Ontarians and reduced pressures on the health care system.
Since the launch of the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, the McGuinty government has invested more than $150 million in creating an Ontario that is healthier and smoke-free. This has resulted in:
• The development of a prevention strategy for youth;
• Protecting people from second-hand smoke through legislation; and
• Helping Ontarians to break the cycle of tobacco addiction
Smoking kills an average of 16,000 people in Ontario each year. Tobacco-related diseases cost the Ontario health care system approximately $1.7 billion a year, result in more than $2.6 billion in productivity losses, and account for at least 500,000 hospital days each year.
Ontario’s tobacco consumption has fallen by 18.7 per cent or more than 2.6 billion cigarettes since 2003. During that time, the government has increased its investments in tobacco control six-fold to a total of $60 million, including a $10 million increase in 2006 over the previous year.
This is one example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in building a healthier Ontario.
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www.mhp.gov.on.ca
www.ontario.ca/smokefree
For more information,
Laura J. Craig
Coordinator of Marketing and Communications
(807) 625-8800
Simon Hoad
Northwest Tobacco Control Area Network Coordinator
(807) 625-8348