David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Ontarians must butt out before driving with kids
CBC News
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's now illegal in Ontario to light up a cigarette inside a vehicle with a child present, making it the second province to institute such a ban.
Starting Wednesday, a new law takes effect protecting those under the age of 16 from second-hand smoke. Drivers and passengers who refuse to butt out before transporting children in a car face fines of up to $250.
The Canadian Cancer Society said it was pleased with the legislation.
"This law reinforces the important message to parents and caregivers that when you buckle up, butt out," Peter Goodhand, CEO of the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society said in a press release Wednesday.
Dr. Ken Arnold of the Ontario Medical Association said doctors have been calling for a ban on smoking in vehicles with children present because the kids can't protect themselves.
"Certainly putting people with young, healthy lungs in a tin box and having someone light up just seems so unfair to those children," said Arnold.
Health Canada said opening a window doesn't clear the smoke from the car.
Nova Scotia prohibited smoking in cars where children are present last January. B.C. passed a similar ban, though it's not yet in force. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are also considering a ban.
CBC News
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's now illegal in Ontario to light up a cigarette inside a vehicle with a child present, making it the second province to institute such a ban.
Starting Wednesday, a new law takes effect protecting those under the age of 16 from second-hand smoke. Drivers and passengers who refuse to butt out before transporting children in a car face fines of up to $250.
The Canadian Cancer Society said it was pleased with the legislation.
"This law reinforces the important message to parents and caregivers that when you buckle up, butt out," Peter Goodhand, CEO of the Ontario division of the Canadian Cancer Society said in a press release Wednesday.
Dr. Ken Arnold of the Ontario Medical Association said doctors have been calling for a ban on smoking in vehicles with children present because the kids can't protect themselves.
"Certainly putting people with young, healthy lungs in a tin box and having someone light up just seems so unfair to those children," said Arnold.
Health Canada said opening a window doesn't clear the smoke from the car.
Nova Scotia prohibited smoking in cars where children are present last January. B.C. passed a similar ban, though it's not yet in force. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are also considering a ban.
