National Non-Smoking Week is January 18-24, 2015. The Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon is advocating for stronger provincial tobacco control legislation for outdoor public spaces in an effort to reduce B.C.'s smoking rate from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. Smoking rates in Northern BC consistently trend about 10 per cent higher than the rest of the province.
More than 30 municipalities across BC have implemented bylaws that ban smoking in specified outdoor areas. Most recently, the City of Dawson Creek became the first northern community to adopt a Smoking Regulation Bylaw. By enacting a strong bylaw, Dawson Creek is protecting all citizens from the hazards of secondhand smoke, supporting smokers who want to quit and de-normalizing smoking for children and youth.
While BC has Canada's lowest smoking rate, smoking is still the leading cause of death and disability in BC. It is the only legal product that kills one out of every two people when used directly as intended.
Secondhand smoke is extremely toxic. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which can cause cancer. The perception that outdoor smoking is harmless is a myth. Science is conclusive that second-hand smoke is harmful to health, be it from indoor or outdoor exposure.
Smoke-free parks, patios, and campuses support healthier communities. Could there be a better time than now for the City of Prince George to follow Dawson Creek's lead in making a firm commitment to reduce smoking rates?
Margaret Jones-Bricker
Regional Director, Canadian Cancer Society
