Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when you and I were youths, smoking was everywhere. There were no restrictions on where people could smoke. In fact, planes had ashtrays built right into the armrest. Remember that? You could smoke in workplaces, even government offices. You could smoke in bars, restaurants, and patios. You could smoke anywhere.

Now, all of that is gone and for good reason. Second-hand smoke was harmful to the health and well-being of our society. More recently, the WSCC has banned smoking in commercial vehicles. Many municipalities, including Yellowknife, have now banned smoking in public outdoor spaces. All this to protect people from proven, deadly effects of second-hand smoke.

When we know that something causes significant health risks, the government must take action to reduce those risks, especially when it comes to our most vulnerable citizens, our youth. That is why governments around the world, including most of Canada, have banned smoking in vehicles with minors in them. Yes, Mr. Speaker, this is still a thing. In all our efforts to protect citizens from second-hand smoke over the years, we have forgotten about the child who is strapped into the car seat while mom and dad puff away on their cigarette, driving their vehicle.

Mr. Speaker, we know that second-hand smoke is dangerous. It is an even greater threat in closed, confined spaces like a vehicle. Second-hand smoke can pose a very serious risk to children in those vehicles. Children who breathe second-hand smoke can develop cancer later in life, even if they never take up smoking.

Children absorb more pollutants than adults because they are smaller and their respiratory system is still developing. Second-hand smoke can also lead to asthma and other respiratory illness and make children more vulnerable to bronchial infections and allergies. Clearly, it is a detriment to a child's well-being during their developmental years.

Mr. Speaker, you and I could not imagine going back in time when all that smoke was in our face everywhere we went. Let's stop living in the past and bring our tobacco laws into the present and protect those who need it most, our children. I don't think. I know. It is time to ban smoking in vehicles with young children in them.

Later today I will be presenting a motion to that effect. I would be most grateful for my colleagues' support on this very important health issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.