Assembly Vote
18th Assembly, 3rd SessionMay 29, 2018
Topic
Motion Text
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.