Manitoba set to become first province in Canada with Oct. 1 province-wide ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces
Manitoba is set to become the first province in the country to adopt a province-wide smoking ban.
Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau recently introduced Bill 21, the Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act, which would see the ban in place as of Oct. 1, 2004.
“It reflects the views of most Manitobans at public hearings that they should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke,” said Rondeau.
The legislation applies to enclosed public places and indoor workplaces, as recommended by a committee that held hearings across the province in 2003.
Rondeau said existing smoking bans in the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon helped develop the legislation. Fines under Bill 21 would follow those set under Manitoba’s existing Non-Smoking Protection Act.
The province will also work with business owners to deal with the impact of the smoking ban.
“We take seriously the concerns of the hospitality industry during public hearings and continue to consult with business as we move forward toward our Oct. 1 implementation date,” said Rondeau.
Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau recently introduced Bill 21, the Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act, which would see the ban in place as of Oct. 1, 2004.
“It reflects the views of most Manitobans at public hearings that they should be protected from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke,” said Rondeau.
The legislation applies to enclosed public places and indoor workplaces, as recommended by a committee that held hearings across the province in 2003.
Rondeau said existing smoking bans in the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon helped develop the legislation. Fines under Bill 21 would follow those set under Manitoba’s existing Non-Smoking Protection Act.
The province will also work with business owners to deal with the impact of the smoking ban.
“We take seriously the concerns of the hospitality industry during public hearings and continue to consult with business as we move forward toward our Oct. 1 implementation date,” said Rondeau.
