Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tobacco is the single largest cause of preventable disease in the NWT. It causes heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness and many other diseases. Many have lost their lives or those of loves ones because of smoking-related cancers.
Since January 21st, the new Tobacco Control Act has been in effect throughout our territory. The act reinforces this government's initiative to encourage healthy, smoke-free lifestyles for all northerners. As we enter the fifth year of the Territorial Tobacco Control Strategy, the act is a further commitment to continue our government's efforts to reduce the NWT smoking rate, which is twice the national average.
Highlights of the Tobacco Control Act include:
- • The sale and supply of tobacco to those under 18 years of age is prohibited;
- • Retailers cannot display tobacco products and tobacco advertising;
- • Tobacco can no longer be sold in pharmacies, athletic or recreational facilities;
- • Smoking is not allowed on outdoor patios of restaurants or bars, complementing the existing Workers' Compensation Board smoke-free workplace legislation; and
- • All retailers must post signage prescribed by the act in their place of business.
Also within the act is a provision allowing for the use of tobacco for spiritual or ceremonial purposes in recognition of traditional aboriginal cultural practices.
The Tobacco Control Act is enforced by inspectors to ensure this legislation is being upheld. Substantial fines or other penalties will be imposed on offenders.
Preliminary investigations done by our environmental health officers during the first week the act was implemented have shown positive results. While 13 of 35 retailers did not fully comply with the act during a first inspection, all were fully compliant after 24-hour warnings were issued.
By removing tobacco and related products and advertising from public sight, our government is doing more to ensure tobacco use declines, especially among our youth. The act will help those trying to quit by denormalizing the product.
Our government is committed to the health and well-being of all northerners and we must do all we can to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause