How many smokes could you buy with $504,390?

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

******************** Orazietti announces $504,390 for Algoma Health Unit

Investment to finance the implementation of Smoke-Free Ontario Act

Sault Ste. Marie - The provincial government will be investing $504,390 under the new Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy to help enforce new regulations which will ban smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places, David Orazietti MPP announced today.

The funding for 2006, will enable the Algoma Public Health Unit to protect the health of Ontarians by enforcing the Act's smoking ban in all public spaces and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, schools, private clubs, sports arenas and work vehicles.

The comprehensive new tobacco control strategy will also toughen laws against selling tobacco to minors and restrict the display of tobacco products.

The $504,390 investment for a smoke-free Algoma will help Ontario reduce tobacco consumption by 20 percent from 2003 levels.

"The McGuinty government is committed to protecting the health of Ontario families by tackling the number one cause of preventable disease in our province—smoking," said Orazietti. "This investment for a smoke-free Algoma will help reduce tobacco consumption in our community and save many lives in the process."

The Public Health Unit will play a key role in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy.

In order to make sure enforcement is consistent in all communities, including Algoma, the provincial government will pay 100 per cent of the costs of inspection and enforcement.

"The Algoma Health Unit is very proud of the initiative of its Youth Action Alliance peer leaders and youth volunteers in creatively reaching their peers with the smoke-free message. These are amazing young people who will lead us today towards a healthier tomorrow," said Janet Allen, tobacco control coordinator, Algoma Health Unit.

"With the support of our community, we are striving to protect people in Algoma from second hand smoke, prevent more young people from smoking and help smokers quit," said Orazietti.

In the District of Algoma, the municipal bylaw in Sault Ste. Marie did not cover workplaces and some smaller townships had no municipal bylaws.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act will provide protection for all residents of Algoma.

The funding has also helped join youth from all corners of the district in a monitored Youth Action Alliance movement and funded projects in 10 high schools to help students resist tobacco advertising.

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