News Release Archive
HEALTH--PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON SMOKE-FREE PLACES
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The Tobacco Control Unit of the Department of Health began a
broad public consultation today with the launch of a discussion
paper on smoke-free places.
"It's very important to us that the public is consulted on such a
significant issue," said Health Minister Bernie Boudreau, who
tabled the discussion paper in the house this afternoon. "This
discussion paper will help open the lines of communication, and
together we can decide the best way to protect Nova Scotians from
the serious health hazards of second-hand smoke."
The paper, Smoke-Free Places: Towards Healthier Communities in
Nova Scotia, looks at how the province can provide a safe
environment for Nova Scotians. Areas for discussion include:
- the effects of second-hand smoke on healthy adults, children,
workers and people with health conditions.
- what kinds of restrictions Nova Scotians would support to
eliminate or reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.
"The discussion paper is an important part of the Tobacco Control
Unit's support of smoke-free places in Nova Scotia," said Merv
Ungurain, the unit's director. "We're looking forward to the
feedback and ideas from the public and key stakeholders over the
next few months."
Part of the paper is a questionnaire for the public about second-hand smoke. It should be returned to the Department of Health
before June 30, 1997.
Copies of the paper will be available for free at the Government
Book Store in Halifax (1-800-526-6575) and at Access Nova Scotia
offices in Truro, Sydney, Kentville, Yarmouth and Bridgewater.
The paper can also be viewed on the Internet at
https://novascotia.ca/heal/smoke_free
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disability
in Nova Scotia. Each year more than 1,400 Nova Scotians die as a
result of smoking. Another 80 non-smokers die as a direct result
of exposure to tobacco smoke.
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Contact: Lori MacLean
Department of Health
902-424-5025
trp Apr. 24, 1997 - 12:55 p.m.
