Attention News Editor:

News Release             For Immediate Release

                                                                                    May 1, 2006

Countdown to Smoke-Free Ontario!

With less than a month before the Smoke-Free Ontario Act comes into effect, communities are counting down the days until all workers are guaranteed a safe, healthy smoke-free workplace. One of the strongest smoke-free laws in North America comes into effect May 31. It makes all workplaces province-wide 100% smoke-free, including bars and restaurants. It also means greater restrictions on the retail promotion of tobacco products. A full ban on all tobacco retail promotion comes into effect May 31, 2008.

“The legislation will protect workers and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke and it will help to ensure that young people don’t pick up this deadly addiction,” says Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"We're excited the Smoke-Free Ontario Act will go into effect. May 31 marks the beginning of a new era in Ontario because all workers will soon be protected from the deadly effects of second-hand smoke," said Linda Davies, Tobacco Control Program Manager for the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

For information and resources to prepare for Smoke-Free Ontario contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420.

-30-

For more information:

Laurie Moore,

Tobacco Enforcement and Education Officer

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519 376-9420 ext. 479