Toronto Public Health supports provincial tobacco legislation expansion

Toronto Public Health is pleased the provincial government is moving forward on several important proposals to strengthen existing tobacco legislation. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced today it plans to introduce legislation that includes banning smoking on outdoor restaurant and bar patios, hospital grounds, park sports fields and playgrounds.

“Too many young people still smoke and are exposed to second-hand smoke. Today’s announcement marks an important step forward in strengthening the protections in the originally groundbreaking Smoke-Free Ontario Act,” said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health. “These initiatives recognize the need to minimize the health impacts of second-hand smoke and to reduce the exposure opportunities of young people to smoking.”

Toronto Public Health supports these initiatives as outlined in the recent Board of Health report on September 30. This week, Toronto City Council is considering proposals to strengthen local tobacco bylaws, including banning smoking nine metres from entrances and exits of public buildings. The report is available online at http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.HL24.3

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto’s government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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