Ontario Tobacco Conference

Officials with the Northwestern Health Unit are optimistic after a meeting with George Smitherman.
The Health Minister was the highlight speaker at the Ontario Tobacco Conference in Toronto and Health Promoter Barb Roussein says he has vowed to clamp down on second hand smoke in a big way.
The Liberal Government has pledged to introduce a smoking ban sometime in 2006 with more details expected to be announced next week’s Provincial Budget.
Roussein says she is pleased that a political figure has finally come forward with some sort of action and that both the Federal and Ontario Governments appear to be ready to protect the public from second hand smoke.
Also at the Conference, a Director of Public Health in Ireland advised officials that a country wide ban there has been a huge success with cooperating from the Government as well as Bar and Restaurants.
Sunset Country was also recognized for taking a lead role in promoting non-smoking initiatives.