Excellent News!

Ontario passes ban on smoking in cars with kids under 16

THE CANADIAN PRESS


TORONTO - Ontario became the latest province to ban adults from smoking in cars where children are present Monday after a government-backed bill passed in the legislature with support from all parties.



The province already bans smoking in workplaces and public areas, such as bars and restaurants. The new ban will also protect kids under the age of 16 who are being exposed to dangerous levels of second-hand smoke, said Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best.

"This is about protection of our most vulnerable citizens - children who do not have a voice," Best told the legislature.

Premier Dalton McGuinty once dismissed a province-wide ban as a slippery slope that infringed too much on people's rights, but changed his tune in March and threw his government's support behind the private members' bill.

Offenders will also face much lighter fines than originally envisioned by Liberal backbencher David Orazietti, who championed the ban. Drivers and passengers who don't butt out in vehicles carrying children won't be fined more than $250 for each offence, rather than being penalized up to $1,000.

Nova Scotia and British Columbia have already outlawed the practice, which critics liken to child abuse. Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are also considering a similar ban.

Police will be expected to enforce the law once it takes effect, but the province is counting on most people abiding by the law, said Best.

Ontario Provincial Police have said the ban won't make their job more onerous, as they are already inspecting for seatbelts and child car seats.

The province says kids are exposed to up to 27 times the toxins when they're in enclosed spaces like a car, which can worsen asthma and lead to other respiratory illnesses.

Mychoice.ca, a smokers' rights group financed in part by the tobacco industry, has raised concerns that the ban will eventually extend to private homes, but McGuinty said that's not under consideration.

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This is AWESOME news. It makes me so angry to see parents smoking in their vehicles while their children sit in the backseat an inhale those awful toxins.

Shoppers Drug Mart

I was in a Shoppers Drug Mart store today and they were playing Clint and Martina singing Still Holding On.

Shoppers loves our girl! They are always playing her. Old and new songs!

Happy Birthday And Congrats

Happy Birthday, Carolyn and congrats!

In case you don't know, Carolyn and her husband are expecting their first child. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Cmt Canada

Is anyone else from Canada watching CMT? I was watching the Red Carpet show and then BAM something happened and now they are showing videos. No more Red Carpet and the awards show start in 5 mins. They better show the awards show or I will be royally ticked off! GRRRRRRRR!

Edit: This is the second time in 5 mins they have played Crazy Little Thing Called Love video.

I'm worried I'll miss the show. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Seatbelts And Helmut Poll

I don't know how to do a proper poll so I'll just ask the question here.

Are seatbelts and helmuts mandatory where you live?

Seatbelts in cars obviously and helmuts for those riding bikes, motorcycles, mopeds etc.?

Where I live in Ontario seatbelts are mandatory as well as helmuts. You can be ticketed for not wearing either. Drivers of children 16 or under in a car without a seatbelt can be charged as well.

Children under 8 years old or 80 lbs (whichever comes first) must be in a child restraint seat at all times in a vehicle.

I think these rules should be mandatory everywhere.