OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 14, 2007 — The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, confirmed amendments to the Non-smokers Health Regulations banning smoking rooms in federally-regulated workplaces that came into effect Wednesday, November 14th.
"All Canadians have the right to work in a smoke-free environment," said Minister Blackburn. "The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring healthy and safe workplaces."
This ban affects sectors such as banking, inter-provincial and international transportation, broadcasting, federal Crown Corporations, the federal public service, the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament.
"As Health Minister I commend Minister Blackburn for taking action. Protecting citizens from second-hand smoke in and around their workplaces is an important part of maintaining health, and the Goverment of Canada is a leader in this area," said Health Minister Tony Clement.
Today's announcement follows a request by Minister Blackburn to conduct a series of test of the air quality in and outside smoking rooms found in federally-regulated workplaces. Results from tests showed that while these facilities technically meet the legal requirements of the Act, the air quality in them is far from being acceptable and deteriorates significantly as smoking increases in the room.
On May 15th, 2007, Minister Blackburn announced that the Non-smokers' Health Regulations would be amended in order to eliminate provisions that allow smoking areas and rooms in federally-regulated workplaces. The regulations were pre-published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on June 16, 2007 and took effect on Wednesday, November 14th.
- 30 -
For further information (media only):
Michael Winterburn
Office of Minister Blackburn
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Labour Program Web site: Labour.gc.ca
