January 9, 2003
The Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)
and the Cape Breton District Health Authority are applauding
the Mayor and Council in the Town of Port Hawkesbury for passing
a municipal bylaw to ensure that public places in the community
are 100 per cent smoke free. This means that Municipal Smoking
Bylaws will now make Cape Breton Island 100 per cent smoke
free.
"Cape Breton's Smoke Free bylaws are the wave of the
future when it comes to public smoking. This is encouraging,
Cape Bretoners are taking a leadership role in improving the
health of Nova Scotians," says Kevin MacDonald, GASHA
CEO.
The Districts also recognize that the leadership the municipal
wardens, mayors and councillors are showing sets an important
example for the rest of the province and even across the country.
"Cape Breton's smoke free bylaws are protecting children
and others from second hand smoke" said Dr. Mike MacKenzie,
an Antigonish Family physician and GASHA District Chief of
Staff. "This is a step in the right direction for Nova
Scotians who want healthier communities and lifestyles".
"Cape Breton is possibly the first island in the world
to become smoke free," says Dr. Michael Gallivan, a family
physician in Glace Bay and a strong supporter of healthy public
policy like smoking bylaws. "This is marvelous. Indeed
it's a credit to municipal politicians who have taken time
to become more aware of the tobacco issue. They recognize the
dangers of smoking and second hand smoke and are protecting
the health of people in our communities."
"Smoking and second hand smoke are proven to cause major
health problems and even death. Smoke free bylaws encourage
smokers who are thinking of quitting to take that next step
to quit." said Colleen Cameron, Chair of the Board of
Directors of GASHA.
Our role is to continue to educate people about the harmful
effects of smoking and second hand smoke as they take greater
responsibility for their own health," says Norm Connors,
Board Chairman of the Cape Breton District Health Authority. "We
also support people who want to quit or cut back on smoking
through smoking cessation programs offered in both Districts.
We're making healthier choices together. Part of that means
supporting the leadership of our municipal representatives
with programs to help smokers."
The smoking bylaw passed this week in Port Hawkesbury follows
a commitment to smoking bylaws which began in April 2001 when
the Cape Breton Regional Municipality passed a bylaw. That
was followed in 2002 by Inverness and Victoria Counties. Richmond
County also passed a bylaw in 2002. Port Hawkesbury's is expected
to take effect in February.
