Youth Smoking Prevention Act Introduced

The Northwestern Health Unit is throwing its support behind the Youth Smoking Prevention Act.
The legislation was introduced on Monday.
The Act would prohibit smoking on playgrounds, sports fields, and restaurants and bar patios.
Catherine Kiewning is the Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Health Unit and says the Act will help keep outdoor spaces clean, help reduce second hand smoke and aid smokers in butting out.
One of the main highlights for Kiewning is the banning of all flavoured tobacco products for youth under the age of 18.
Kiewning says this makes 5-years of work with the ‘Flavour Gone’ campaign worth it.
She says their group is “bright eyed and bushy tailed” thinking this is going to go through.
Kiewning is calling the move a victory for all Canadian youth.
If the legislation is approved, Ontario will have the highest restrictions and fines in place.
Kiewning is hoping it will encourage more people to quit smoking or not start at all.
The Act would will also prohibit tobacco sales on post-secondary education campuses and specified provincial government properties.