Chamber takes covert position on smoking bylaw

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce has developed a position on the campaign to prohibit smoking in all of the City's enclosed public places, SooToday News has learned.

But unless it's asked, the Chamber isn't planning to breathe a word of its decision to anyone.

A coalition of local health agencies has collected more than 9,000 names on a petition asking that the ban take effect on World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2003.

The agencies asking for the change include Algoma Health Unit, Algoma District Medical Group, Algoma West Academy of Medicine, Canadian Cancer Society, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Group Health Centre, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Sault Area Hospitals, Sault Ste. Marie & District Dental Association, Seniors' Health Advisory Council, Take Heart Algoma, The Lung Association and the YMCA.

The issue comes to City Council for a public hearing on Oct. 21.

"Unless we're asked, we won't be making a submission," said Chamber president Ben Pascuzzi.

"We're really taking a low-profile position on this."

What the Chamber's executive decided

Last week, the Chamber's executive passed a resolution indicating that, since the City's current smoking bylaw was implemented after discussion with all stakeholder groups, it should be honoured unless further talks are held with the same groups.

"If you're going to change it, you should get input from all stakeholders," Pascuzzi told SooToday.com.

"Businesses have made decisions and business plans based on what they thought the rules would be," Pascuzzi said.

"To change the rules or to fast track, may put some businesses in serious difficulty. If you can't get agreement, stick to what you have."

You tell us

Is the Chamber of Commerce right? Or do you agree with those who want smoking eliminated from enclosed public places? Your comments are welcome in the News Response feature on our editorial page.