Relayed
by GLOBALink
The International
Tobacco-Control Network.
Hamm
standing by anti-smoking bill despite criticism
Source:
Canada.com, 2002-05-14, via tobacco.org
Region:CANADA Category: Smokefree Policies URL: http://www.canada.com/search/site/story.asp?id=A8EB589B-B0CB-4921-A8CC-
F122A6A62650
Nova Scotia
Premier John Hamm is standing by his government's anti-smoking
bill, despite criticism from the opposition, the public and
even some Tory backbenchers. Tories Barry Barnet and Mark Parent
are calling for a complete ban on smoking in public places.
Instead, the current bill will allow smoking in bars and casinos,
and also in restaurants and lounges that set up separate smoking
rooms.
Health groups
are calling for a complete ban, while restaurant owners say the
partial ban will drive their customers away. Another Tory backbencher,
Brooke Taylor, is calling for a free vote on the bill. But Hamm
won't make that commitment, despite a 1999 election promise to
allow backbenchers to vote according to their conscience. He says
the bill is a big step forward in the battle against tobacco use.
The opposition Liberals and New Democrats say they will try to
change the bill, to make it a complete ban. Hamm says the current
bill is the best compromise between people who want the right
to smoke, and people who want an all-out ban. Copyright Broadcast
News
