Government Announces Smoking Ban

Nova Scotia will be 100 per cent smoke-free as of Dec. 1, 2006.

Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion made the announcement in the legislature today, May 19.

"This government has always said it was a matter of when -- not if -- Nova Scotia goes smoke-free and today we are pleased to announce that Dec. 1, 2006 is the date it will happen," said Mr. MacDonald.

In 2000 Nova Scotia had the highest rate of smoking in the country with 30 per cent of the population smoking. Since the introduction of the Tobacco Control Strategy, in October 2001, and the Smoke-Free Places Act, in January 2003, the smoking rate has dropped to 22 per cent.

As of Dec. 1, 2006, smoking will not be permitted in all public places and work places, including legions and casinos.

"Today's announcement was made possible because of the dedicated work of many groups and organizations across the province, particularly community health boards and Smoke Free Nova Scotia, " said Mr. MacDonald.

While today's announcement is a positive step forward, it is only one part of the overall Tobacco Control Strategy. Nova Scotia Health Promotion will continue its work on taxation, community- based programming, cessation programs and youth prevention.

"Today is a great day but our fight against tobacco use is ongoing. Dec. 1, 2006 will be seen as an important milestone for a healthy Nova Scotia."