National Non-Smoking Week: A Statement from Dr. David Butler-Jones, Chief Public Health Officer

Posted: January 21, 2005

The dangers of smoking, both for smokers themselves and those involuntarily exposed to the second-hand smoke, have been established in countless studies. There is no longer any debate: the popularization of tobacco use in the early part of the 20th century is one of the most serious public health tragedies of the last 100 years, responsible for millions of untimely deaths throughout the world, as well as exacting a heavy burden on health care costs.

In recent years, all levels of governments in Canada have come together in passing laws and measures that are protecting non-smokers from the hazards of exposure to dangerous second smoke at their place of employment, restaurants, bars, casinos and other public places. It is also helping people who want to quit or to stay smoke free.

And people are finding, that not only does it benefit health, but it's good for business as well.

In this week dedicated to butting out, I urge all who invite the public into their establishments, from restaurant and bar owners, to private clubs, and casinos, to make all establishments smoke-free.

We are starting to win the battle against the tens of thousands of early deaths each year in Canada due to smoking and the hazards of second hand smoke. Besides lung cancer, many more cancers, heart attacks, lung diseases and others ailments have tobacco smoke as their cause.

I urge all Canadians, and especially employers, to support the strengthening of regulations against smoking in public places so that in this century, we can finally bring an end to this unfortunate legacy of the last.