Legislation

Legislation is an important element of any comprehensive tobacco reduction strategy. Tobacco is a unique consumer product. It has no safe level of consumption, and can kill when used exactly as intended by manufacturers. Voluntary restrictions on tobacco sales, marketing and consumption are often ineffective, and governments have a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of their citizens.

Smoke-Free Places (Tobacco Reduction) Amendment Act, 2007

On November 14, 2007, Bill 45 (the Smoke-Free Places (Tobacco Reduction) Amendment Act) passed third and final reading in the Alberta legislature. Once proclaimed, this act will

• prohibit smoking in all public places and workplaces (proposed effective January 1, 2008)
• ban tobacco displays, promotions and advertising in retail outlets (proposed effective July 1, 2008)
• remove tobacco sales from pharmacies, health-care facilities and post-secondary campuses (proposed effective January 1, 2009)

For more information on the act, please visit http://www.smokefreeplaces.com/

Smoke-Free Places Act, 2005

In Alberta, the Smoke-Free Places Act was passed May 10, 2005 and became law January 1, 2006. In its amended form, the act restricts smoking in any public place and workplace where minors are allowed. Municipalities are encouraged to continue to implement policies that complement this regulation and protect all of their community. Bylaws that already restrict smoking in all public places and workplaces are not affected.

For more information on the act and its regulations, see http://www.smokefreeplaces.com/

Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use Act, 2003

In addition to the Smoke-Free Places Act, the Prevention of Youth Tobacco Use Act (which took effect April 1, 2003) prohibits Alberta youth from possessing and using tobacco products in public places.

Canada Tobacco Act, 1997

In 1997, the federal government passed the Canada Tobacco Act, which includes tobacco product and sales restrictions. Most provinces have introduced legislation to complement the federal Tobacco Act. Ontario has prohibited the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies; Saskatchewan prohibits tobacco products from being displayed or advertised anywhere accessible to minors.