News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     January 28, 2009

Smoke-Free Ride Begins

The Smoke-Free Ride began in Ontario January 21, 2009, with the ban on smoking in vehicles when children under 16 years are present. The legislation recognizes the health consequences for children riding in a vehicle where someone is smoking.

“A smoke-free ride protects the health of our most vulnerable population.” says Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hazel Lynn. “This campaign is reaching out to parents in Grey Bruce to provide them with tips and encouragement to keep their drives smoke-free.”

Police are responsible for enforcement of this amendment to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. “The O.P.P. doesn’t create legislation. Our role is to keep the peace and enforce the law. As with other legislation, we rely to a large extent on voluntary compliance. Hopefully most will see the good sense in not exposing children to second hand smoke so the need for enforcement will be minimal.” says O.P.P. Constable Steve Starr. Every person who fails to comply with the prohibition will be guilty of an offence and subject to a set fine of $125.

“The smoke-free ride campaign is important to me because it gives youth passengers, who do not wish to be exposed to concentrated second-hand smoke, a voice--the voice of the law.” says Jasmin Dalton, a member of the Health Unit Peer Leaders program, who offers a youth perspective.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is collaborating with the Ontario Lung Association and the Province of Ontario in the province-wide Campaign for a Smoke-Free Ride. The campaign is dedicated to protecting children by providing parents with the positive support they need to give their kids a smoke-free ride.

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Attachments: Smoking in Motor Vehicles with Children Present Fact Sheet

For more information:

Alen Hawes

Tobacco Enforcement and Education

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1478