A set of proposed anti-tobacco laws aimed at preventing youth in Alberta from lighting up are getting support from the province, doctors and anti-smoking advocates.
Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne announced the government's support for Bill 206 and introduced Bill 33 Thursday in Edmonton.
Bill 206, which is already being debated in the Alberta legislature, would ban the sale of flavoured tobacco products to minors.
Bill 33 would ban smoking in vehicles carrying children. As well, Bill 33 would ban the use of waterpipes – which can be used to smoke herbal tobacco-free products -- in public areas, and also prevent cigarillos from being sold individually.
Horne recognized that the ban on waterpipes may take a toll on some Alberta businesses, so it won't take effect for at least a year. But other parts of Bills 33 and 206 could take effect sooner if the legislation is passed in the current sitting.
"We are here for the singular purpose of protecting the health of children and youth in our society for the long term," Horne said.
Dr. James Talbot, the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health, called it a "good day."
"It's a good day because with the combined effect of the two bills there will be fewer Albertans exposed to cancer-causing substances, and that's going to pay off in less disease and less cancer in the future," he said.
Executive Director of Action on Smoking and Health Les Hagen said the bills will make Alberta a leader in the fight against smoking.
"Collectively they represent some of the strongest tobacco control measures in Canada," Hagen said.
With a report by CTV Edmonton's Susan Amerongen
