Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This motion is entitled "Smoking in Vehicles with Minors Present."
WHEREAS tobacco smoke contains more than 50 compounds that are known carcinogens;
AND WHEREAS second-hand tobacco smoke is a definitive cause of cancer in humans;
AND WHEREAS, in 2012, 34 per cent of the NWT population aged 15 and over were smokers, compared to 21 per cent in Canada;
AND WHEREAS cancer is the leading cause of death in the Northwest Territories, accounting for approximately one in four deaths each year;
AND WHEREAS the impacts of cancer on families, communities, and the healthcare system are extremely high;
AND WHEREAS health research shows that children are more vulnerable to adverse health effects from second-hand smoke exposure;
AND WHEREAS children and teenagers typically have less control over their environment than adults;
AND WHEREAS the Canadian Cancer Society supports and promotes cancer prevention, and proposes that all provinces and territories enact legislation to protect children and minors from second-hand smoke in vehicles;
AND WHEREAS eight other Canadian provinces and territories have enacted legislation against smoking in vehicles when minors are present;
AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories Cancer Prevention Strategy 2015-2025 includes cancer prevention initiatives for children and youth;
AND WHEREAS the Community Wellness and Safety section of the revised Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2016-2019 includes several commitments for cancer prevention, including "developing and proposing updated tobacco control legislation";
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the 18th Legislative Assembly recommend that the Tobacco Control Act be amended to include a prohibition on smoking in a vehicle when a minor is present;
AND FURTHER, that the Government of the Northwest Territories respond to this motion within 120 days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.