Smoke-Free petition collects 10,000 names

Organizers of the Sault's 100 Percent Smoke-Free petition announced today that they've reached their goal of 10,000 signatures, two weeks early.

The anti-smoking drive is backed by a coalition of local organizations including the Algoma Health Unit, the Lung Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Canadian Cancer Society, Group Health Centre, Sault Area Hospital and the Algoma West Academy of Medicine.

On October 21, the coalition will present the petition to City Council, asking for a complete ban on smoking in all indoor public places.

As SooToday.com reported earlier this week, the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is opposed to the ban unless full consultations are held with all stakeholders.

But the Chamber is keeping very low-key with that opinion and doesn't intend to make a presentation to City Council unless it's asked.

To read SooToday's earlier coverage, please click here.

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