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Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Things that they want us to believe
Butt-brained idea-AB
Smoking ban only first move for those who wish to control us
By Paul Jackson Calgary Sun Tue, January 18, 2005
We true conservatives find it somewhat exhilarating that Premier Ralph Klein has finally awoken from his slumbers and slapped down provincial Health Minister Iris Evans.
After sleepwalking through the past election -- and handing a stack of seats over to the Liberals -- and making a yawning speech last week in which he talked about a "third way" to reform the mess in health care -- without saying what that "third way" was -- I had again pondered whether our premier had become feeble-minded.
Then, suddenly, he seems to have a grasp of reality again.
Evans caused an uproar when she declared she intended to push for legislation this spring to ban smoking in every public place province-wide.
Since this has basically been achieved -- smoking in bars and restaurants in Calgary will be banned absolutely as of Jan. 1, 2008 -- and other cities have already either done this or have it on the books for dates in the near future, Evans' action seems pointless.
Now this is not a pro-smoking column.
Personally, the only time I smoke is at a regimental dinner when I have a fine cigar in one hand, a superb glass of port in the other, and await the coming of a sniff of snuff.
I tried smoking as a teenager -- didn't we all -- but thankfully, didn't get hooked.
When Sean Connery played a smooth James Bond, unlike his silly successors, I tried it again.
Once more, thankfully, I didn't get hooked.
But each person to their own poison.
To me, VLTs in bars are a menace.
I've never put $5 in them.
Yet, if as a conservative, you believe in an individual's right to choose, you have to allow them.
So, no, this is not a pro-smoking column, but it is a column against the tiresome meddling busybodies who would regiment every aspect of our lives: Thoughts, words and deeds.
I name two who one might regrettably say are now starting to only masquerade as true conservatives, the aforementioned Evans and Calgary Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart.
Both appear more to be CINOS (Conservatives in Name Only) who have been waylaid and duped by the Lib-Lefters.
Wake up, Iris and Diane -- and get back on the straight and narrow.
Why would Colley-Urquhart be a cheerleader for Evans when she had already won her battle on city council?
It simply doesn't make sense.
Klein, for the first time in a long time, did make sense.
He told Evans to back off.
Yet never forget this: The Lib-Left set is never satisfied.
This or that victory is never enough.
Lib-Lefters have to push on, and on, and on.
That's why the anti-smoking brigade, having already won this victory, is moving to get junk food banned, fast-food restaurants restricted, pushing a vegetarian agenda, and, in the animal rights movement, planning to forbid people to own pets. To them, owning pets is the enslavement of animals.
Just let them try and take my Shih-Tzu puppy "Muffin" away.
Now, I do not say either Evans or Colley-Urquhart belong to this bunch of fanatics, but they should be aware Lib-Lefters know how to manipulate and deal with the gullible.
By the way, Ralph, I suggest Evans may soon make you wish you had never defrocked ex-health minister -- and prominent CINO -- Gary Mar.
If Evans can go off on a tangent like this even before she has her new portfolio files in order, what will she do when she feels she has a real angle on the job?
A point Lib-Left zealots forget is a bar or a restaurant is not, in actuality, a public place.
The owner can allow you to enter, or forbid you to enter.
If you disobey his rules, he can kick you out on your rear end.
I know this because in my more raucous days, I was ejected from a bar or two myself.
When I see the Lib-Left set trying to engineer society, I always think of George Orwell's frightening novel, 1984, and wonder if, rather than seeing Winston Smith as the hero, they think Big Brother and the interrogator O'Brien are quite OK.
All who fear the regimentation of society should read 1984 -- or see one of the two movie versions of Orwell's harrowing novel of a society under absolute state control: The 1955 version with Michael Redgrave and Jan Sterling, or the "commemorative" 1984 version with John Hurt and Richard Burton.
Freedom must not slowly and insidiously be chipped away.
Either by the dictatorial types or the naive types.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Calgary/Paul_Jackson/2005/01/18/901594.html
Klein rules out province-wide smoking ban
Broadcast News January 14, 2005
MONTREAL - Premier Ralph Klein says Alberta will not have a province-wide ban on smoking.
Klein says municipalities should be free to set their own rules on smoking.
The premier's comments came during a news conference in Montreal today following an address to the city's Board of Trade.
He calls smokers -- quote -- "stupid," but says he doesn't believe it's his job to impose a smoking ban in his province.
He also says he'd prefer to see family restaurants where children dine with their parents to be smoke-free.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Iris Evans said she was going to revisit the debate that started a few years ago on a smoking ban.
The initiative was later shot down by the government caucus but Evans said she believed the caucus and premier were now more willing to take another look at regulating smoking.
http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=5ac15fbe-1d76-43da-8244-f89cda4997eb
Pharmacy cig sales mixed message -MB
Tops anti-smoking group's report card
By FRANK LANDRY, LEGISLATURE REPORTER Tue, January 18, 2005
An anti-smoking group is urging the province to crack down on the sale of cigarettes in pharmacies. Dr. Mark Taylor, chairman of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA), said yesterday it sends the wrong message to allow pharmacies to sell tobacco products.
"Kids hear how dangerous tobacco is, then they go to the pharmacy to get medications to make them better and at the front of the pharmacy, in full view, are mountains of cigarettes," said Taylor, whose group yesterday released its third annual Manitoba tobacco control report card. "It's clearly a hypocritical message."
Taylor said all provinces east of Manitoba prohibit pharmacies from selling cigarettes, and we should do the same.
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald would not commit to a ban but said she's in favour of anything that would discourage teens from trying tobacco in the first place.
"The whole issue of placement of cigarettes ... the whole issue of availability of cigarettes, all of those issues are things that I'm prepared to examine," Oswald said.
In its report card, MANTRA gave the provincial government passing marks for its Manitoba-wide smoking ban and legislation that will one day outlaw tobacco displays in retail stores where children are permitted.
FREE QUIT-SMOKING AIDS
MANTRA failed the province for continuing to allow the sale of smokes in pharmacies.
The anti-puffing group also urged the Doer government to give quit-smoking aids such as the nicotine patch free to low-income Manitobans and prohibit smoking in aboriginal casinos and gambling halls. Unlike smoke bans in other provinces, First Nations are exempt under Manitoba's Non-Smokers Health Protection Act.
Oswald said there are no plans to alter the way the smoking ban is written.
Despite his group's criticisms, Murray Gibson, MANTRA's executive director, said a national tobacco report card being released today will rank Manitoba second best only to Nunavut when it comes to cracking down on smokers.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/News/2005/01/18/901765-sun.html
Province best at butting out -MB
But, report criticizes natives exclusion from smoking laws
Tuesday, January 18th, 2005
By Mia Rabson
A coalition of Manitoba's anti-smoking activists says the province could -- and should -- have included First Nations when it banned smoking indoors in public last October.
The Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (MANTRA) kicked off national non-smoking week yesterday by releasing its annual report card on provincial tobacco control efforts.
MANTRA's report card said overall Manitoba is doing well in its efforts to reduce smoking.
In fact, a national report card to be released today will rank Manitoba first among the provinces for its efforts to curb smoking.
Overall MANTRA was pleased with the province's performance, particularly with the smoking ban, which prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, workplaces, and partially enclosed public patios.
But the group's chairman, Dr. Mark Taylor, said the failure to enforce the ban on First Nations is a black mark on the province's mostly good record.
When it introduced the smoking ban legislation, the provincial government indicated First Nations fell under federal jurisdiction and therefore could challenge the bill if it was enforced there.
But Taylor said all other provinces that have or are working on a provincewide ban included First Nations.
"It's very difficult for us to understand why Manitoba felt they did not have jurisdiction," Taylor said.
MANTRA executive director Murray Gibson said at the very least the province should refuse to grant a gaming license to First Nations casinos if the casino won't ban smoking.
"How can you license something that is an unhealthy workplace," Gibson said.
The exclusion of First Nations was a main criticism of the ban by the provincial Progressive Conservative party, the first party out of the blocks to call for a provincewide ban. Tory Leader Stuart Murray said yesterday he hopes the additional pressure may convince the NDP to expand the bill.
"I think everyone should be treated equally," Murray said.
But Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald stuck by the provincial line yesterday saying enforcing the bill on First Nations could spark a court challenge, and that wasn't something the province was willing to undergo.
"At this time we're not choosing to make any amendments to the legislation," she said.
MANTRA's report also calls for Manitoba to increase the amount of money it spends on smoking cessation programs. Gibson said Manitoba has one of the higher cigarette taxes but one of the lowest expenditures on anti-smoking programs in Canada.
Manitoba's 2004-05 budget for anti-smoking programs was equal to 58 cents per person. Gibson wants it to be at least $3 per person.
One provincial campaign, a television advertisement selected by 31,000 Grade 6 to Senior 4 students, will air in March. The graphic ad shows a teenage girl's skin rotting and tar oozing out of her mouth in an attempt to make smoking look as gross as possible.
mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
Winnipeg Free Press
Drug stores must butt out: anti-smoking group
By DIANA PEREIRA Globe and Mail Update
Western Canadian pharmacies still sell cigarettes, and an anti-smoking group in Manitoba wants that to change.
Manitoba should join eastern Canada and ban tobacco sales in pharmacies, said Murray Gibson, executive director of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (Mantra).
According to the national report card on tobacco control, released Tuesday, most provinces still allow cigarette sales in pharmacies. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and the Yukon have no laws banning the practice.
In Prince Edward Island, which still allows the sale from pharmacies, a ban comes into effect on June 1.
The report was published by the National Clearinghouse on Tobacco and Health Program, managed by the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control.
The national report used five factors in its calculations: provincial/territorial tobacco-tax rates, percentage of smoke-free workplaces, percentage of smoke-free public places, bans on retail displays and bans on sales from pharmacies.
In the category of tax rates, the Northwest Territories ranked first, receiving a grade of A+ for its territorial tax rate of $42 per cartons of 200 cigarettes. The report states that several studies show that a 10-per-cent increase in price decreases smoking by about 4 per cent and will curb youth smoking as well. British Columbia received an A for its tax rate of $35.80.
In the category of keeping workplaces smoke free, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Yukon all failed. British Columbia, Newfoundland, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec achieved incomplete grades because they still have designated-smoking rooms in some workplaces.
When it comes to 100 per cent smoke-free public places, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Quebec and Yukon all failed. Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario and PEI received incomplete grades because of various designated-smoking rooms.
Most provinces and territories failed when it came to retail display bans, with the exception of Manitoba, Nunavut and Saskatchewan. PEI received an incomplete grade because the Supreme Court of Canada is deciding whether to move ahead on banning the ads.
The Manitoba association released its third provincial report card on tobacco control in the province on Monday.
An additional problem area identified by the Manitoba report is government support for programs and services that promote quitting smoking.
“We are encouraging the government to support cessation programs,” Mr. Gibson told globeandmail.com.
The Manitoba report also noted that 17 per cent of children in the province aged 17 and under are subjected to second-hand smoke in their homes on a regular basis.
According to Mr. Gibson, a 2004 report released by Environics Canada prepared for Health Canada that said 96 per cent of smokers surveyed said children should be protected from second-hand smoke. At the same time, 64 per cent of smokers said they smoke at home.
Mantra is planning on co-ordinating a committee to come up with recommendations to increase people's understanding of second-hand smoke.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050118.wsmoke0118/BNStory/National/
Gov't criticized for not enforcing smoking ban on reserves -MB
Broadcast News January 18, 2005
The Manitoba government is being criticised for not enforcing its provincewide smoking ban on reserves.
Dr. Mark Taylor, of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance, says all other provinces that have or are working on provincewide bans included reserves.
When it introduced the legislation, the provincial government indicated First Nations fell under federal jurisdiction and therefore could challenge the bill if it was enforced on reserves.
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald says enforcing the bill on reserves could cause a court challenge -- similar to one that is underway in New Brunswick -- and that's not something the province is willing to do.
The Manitoba government is being criticized for not enforcing its provincewide smoking ban on reserves.
Dr. Mark Taylor, of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance, says all other provinces that have or are working on provincewide bans included reserves.
When it introduced the legislation, the provincial government indicated First Nations fell under federal jurisdiction and therefore could challenge the bill if it was enforced on reserves.
Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald says enforcing the bill on reserves could cause a court challenge -- similar to one that is underway in New Brunswick -- and that's not something the province is willing to do.
http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/story.html?id=8e631e0f-c608-4ce1-a50b-eabade4d15dc
Gov't should give away nicotine patches: anti-tobacco group -MB
Broadcast News January 17, 2005
WINNIPEG -- The Manitoba government is being urged to hand out free nicotine patches to people who can't quit smoking.
A group called the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance gives the province high marks for increasing tobacco taxes and banning smoking in all indoor public places.
But the alliance says the government should be spending more of its tobacco tax money on helping smokers quit.
Spokesman Murray Gibson says free nicotine patches should be offered to people on low incomes or the mentally ill.
Gibson recommends patches should also be given to anyone employed by Manitoba Health because health-care workers set an example for everyone.
He says the province should pay the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba to offer counselling to people addicted to smoking.
The group also wants the province to enforce legislation prohibiting retail displays of tobacco products.
http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/story.html?id=fcdadbe1-8b1a-4a1f-81dc-6779cff3a638
Evans to keep looking at smoking ban -AB
CBC News Last Updated Jan 17 2005 04:31 PM MST
EDMONTON – Health Minister Iris Evans says she will proceed carefully with her proposed province-wide smoking ban, after Premier Ralph Klein said he would never support it.
But she's getting backing from at least one cabinet colleague and the opposition.
Evans has raised the possibility of no smoking in workplaces across the province, which would essentially make restaurants and bars smoke-free.
Klein said he would never support such a ban, and that municipalities should be able to make that decision on their own.
Evans says the premier cautioned her to consult with all interested groups before moving ahead.
"I'll pay attention to that caution, where communities or neighbourhoods or individuals in communities share a different opinion, and many of those people have contacted me already, we'll see how we can look at some of the leadership in other jurisdictions and come up with the very best possible beginning of a better policy relative to smoking in public places in Alberta," she said.
Former Health minister Gary Mar, who tried to get a similar ban approved a few years ago, says Evans is doing the right thing. Mar, now minister of Community Development, says Klein has said he will respect the will of caucus, even if he doesn't agree with it.
"I think that everybody's entitled to their view and perspective, but if the Minister of Health and Wellness Iris Evans wants to bring it forward, I'll support her and I think there's many people that would support her, both within our government, but outside of government as well," Mar said.
NDP Leader Brian Mason says Klein is preventing Evans from doing her job.
"I think it would be very difficult for his Health minister to actually proceed with this approach now that he's undercut her," Mason said. "And that's really the problem, is that the premier seems to encourage his ministers to show some initiative and then when they do, he undermines them, cuts them off at the ankles and leaves them with egg on their face."
Mason said Klein's stance is contrary to his talk about creating a healthier Alberta that places fewer demands on its health-care system.
http://calgary.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/ca-evans-smoking20050117.html
Boutilier nixes provincewide smoking ban - AB
By JACQUIE MCFARLANE Today staff and The Canadian Press
Quitting smoking is the responsibility of individuals and should be handled by municipalities, said Wood Buffalo MLA Guy Boutilier, when asked about the government’s flip-flop on a province wide smoking ban last week.
He ruled out support for a provincewide ban.
“The ideal situation is as a New Year’s resolution is for people to consider giving up smoking and then what’s done by the municipality or the province doesn’t matter because everyone is working towards the goal of giving up smoking,” said Boutilier.
Putting a smoking ban in place, said Boutilier, falls under municipal jurisdiction, which is the best way to handle it.
“We’ve given municipalities that authority rather than going provincewide where one rule fits all,” said Boutilier.
Health Minister Iris Evans announced last week she was taking the first step in what she hoped will lead to a provincewide ban on smoking in the workplace. At the time Evans was optimistic, saying “I think the premier indicated he’s very willing to take another look at how we regulate smoking or restrict tobacco use in Alberta.’’
However, Ralph Klein, speaking in Montreal Friday, said his government is not looking to implement a blanket ban on butts in public places, instead leaving that decision up to individual municipalities.
Evans retreated from her stand after Klein’s remarks. It was the second time the premier has shut down a health minister’s attempt to restrict smoking provincewide.
Gary Mar broached the subject in 2001, suggesting higher cigarette taxes at that time.
Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake said dealing with an anti-smoking bylaw in the municipality was challenging when it was passed in 2000. Now she’d like to see the province take a leading role in making legislation that’s equal across Alberta.
“I think the province should take some initiative and make it a provincewide issue. It would take all of the uncertainty out of the jurisdictions that haven’t gone as far as we have,” said Blake.
Municipalities have been pushing the government for a provincewide ban, passing a resolution at their Alberta Urban Municipalities Association meetings in 2001 and 2003. Blake noted that most of the municipalities were in support of those resolutions.
Boutilier acknowledged that health was a provincial issue but wouldn’t commit to whether that made the government responsible for regulating smoking.
Sunday marked the first day of National Non-Smoking Week, Jan. 16-22. Health Canada is working with Wal-Mart stores to get out information about quitting smoking.
http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/daily/pages/news2.html
Butt out of city business: Rice -AB
Provincial legislation restricting smoking unwarranted: Alderman
By KEVIN CRUSH Herald-Tribune staff Januar
Premier Ralph Klein appears to have nixed any plans for a comprehensive provincial smoking ban for now, but the debate still burns on.
After a speech in Montreal, the premier insisted his government will not be imposing a provincewide smoking ban, preferring instead to leave it up to municipalities to decide for themselves what they want to do.
That comes the same week that Health Minister Iris Evans said she would seek some form of provincial smoking legislation and it is believed she will still be drafting legislation for a Tory policy committee.
Governments should not be butting into what should be a business decision, said Ald. Helen Rice.
"I believe that government has no business putting in place what I call oppressive legislation that inhibits businesses from operating in a manner that they feel most meets the needs of their customer," said Rice.
"Businesses, if they're going to stay in business, will meet the needs of their customers, and if they don't they won't have customers and will close, and they don't need government telling them that."
Grande Prairie's smoking bylaw allows smoking in any public place or workplace that doesn't allow entrance to minors. That allows some businesses to create walled-off smoking sections, to allow all smoking, or to be smoke-free. Since the bylaw came into place, Mayor Wayne Ayling said the city has received many requests from residents and non-residents to extend the bylaw to all public and workplaces. While he wants to see what Evans has in mind for legislation first, Ayling said provincial guidelines of any sort would be helpful.
"We welcome any initiative by the health minister to reduce the negative impact on second-hand smoke on people in the workplace or in other public places."
Ayling rejected arguments that a provincial smoking ban would hurt businesses.
"Every province or state that has imposed a jurisdiction-wide no smoking legislation has been able to show that the no-smoking legislation does not negatively impact business and does positively impact health."
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association came out last week in support of a provincial smoking ban on the grounds that second-hand smoke is unhealthy in the working place. In 2001 and 2003, the association's members passed resolutions calling for provincial laws to prohibit or regulate smoking in the workplace.
Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Gordon Graydon hasn't made up his mind on whether he would support a smoking ban or not as he believes both sides have valid points.
"I'm kind of torn. I hear from constituents on certainly both sides of the issue," said Graydon.
"As the former chair of the South Peace Health Unit, I'm very conscious of the health costs of smoking, so with my health hat on I'm in favour of a provincewide ban. But generally I don't like the government to interfere in every single aspect of my life. You can have too much government."
The biggest problem in Alberta right now is the patchwork of municipal policies on smoking. Without any provincial guidelines, towns and cities have had to deal with smoking in their own way - if they deal with it at all. That can cause confusion from one place to the next.
"As a smoker, I guess you need to know what community you are in today and what are the rules today, which isn't good," said Graydon. "Uniformity across the province would solve that."
But Rice says uniformity can't exist from municipality to municipality on any matter.
"There's a patchwork of bylaws in terms of snow removal standards, and dog control bylaws. Each municipality has different ones of those things because they're different places," said Rice.
"It's absurd to think that everyone should have the same bylaws. I mean, people move from Edmonton to Grande Prairie fully recognizing there will be different rules and different ways."
Rice suggested a better option is for the province to force all municipalities to draft smoking legislation and then let them deal with the issue as they see fit, something Graydon said could be an option.
The Peace Country Health medical officer of health would welcome a provincial smoking ban.
"If we can get all workplaces - that's all office buildings, that's all restaurants, all bars, all schools, everywhere... We'll do whatever we can do as Peace Country Health to support the province in going in that direction, because it's been long overdue we think," said Dr. Albert de Villiers.
He said the province is lacking when compared to other provinces who have instituted smoking bans. Similar smoking bans are in effect in New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan and are pending in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/Z03_00asmoking0117.lasso
Smoke from a distant fire
Mixed messages out of Edmonton on provincial smoking ban
The very contentious issue of smoking bans and how far they should reach is gearing up again, thanks to conflicting commentary out of the Klein government last week.
Pro-smoking-ban proponents were happy to hear Health Minister Iris Evans suggest that a province wide ban of smoking in the workplace was a very real possibility.
The announcement was met by optimism from the anti-smoking lobby; disappointment and disdain from the laissez faire and pro- smoking-choice camp.
However, Premier Klein seemed to pooh-pooh the whole notion with comments late last week, saying the government would not be implementing such a wide-reaching ban. His justification was that community dynamics are so different across the province, it was not right for Big Brother government to impose operational restrictions on municipalities, rather, if the municipalities chose to do so – fine.
Blue Tory Ralph Klein has found an unlikely local ally in Red Liberal Helen Rice – longtime city alderman and manager of the DownTown Association.
First, Rice is a longtime smoker – that’s no secret.
But her tack on the issue comes from a business perspective, arguably in support of businesses involved in her workings with the association.
Rice, like Klein, believes that businesses can make and/or break their own fortunes without the help of the provincial government.
With respect to the premier, one wonders how much of his decision on the issue is politically motivated and how much is simply buck passing.
While the message of government keeping its fingers out of the day to day operations of Alberta’s small businesses resonates with many in the province, the health issue surround smoking and its societal costs continues to bear pressure.
Many governments in Canada - provincially - have adopted restrictive smoking legislation – the latest being Saskatchewan.
And if a case study in socio-economic integration of policy and practice needs a model, Lloydminster is a good one as Saskatchewan businesses complain they are losing their business to the Alberta side where smoking is still allowed.
This game of political ping pong can continue ad nauseum.
What is required is the courage of leadership and a direct attempt to solicit the views of Albertans – including Grande Prairians – on how restrictive or widespread they want smoking bans to be.
Medical evidence speaks for itself on smoking and its effects. It’s a no-brainer.
What is at issue is freedom of choice and individual rights. Should society have the right to prevent a person from smoking themselves to an early grave? It seems to have made it clear second-hand smoke is unacceptable and now most places in Canada where minors can be do not allow smoking. But how far do we go?
Governments – both provincial and municipal – have a duty to find out what their constituents want and then have the courage to implement that wish and then damn the torpedoes.
It’s as simple as that.
http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/1editorial1.lasso
Bylaw prediction comes true for local bar-SK
Just as predicted by management, business is suffering badly at one local bar ever since the smoking ban came into effect on January 1.
By Colin McGarrigle of the Journal
Tuesday January 11, 2005
Just as predicted by management, business is suffering badly at one local bar ever since the smoking ban came into effect on January 1.
Waneta Goldstein, manager of Chances R Motor Hotel said that her bottom line has taken a drastic and sudden drop now that previously loyal customers are spending more time at home.
"Business is very noticeably down. In such a short time, that's very scary," said Goldstein.
"They (customers) pop in quick, have a beer and leave. They're not sitting for two, three, four beer, or for the evening any more," said Goldstein on the pattern she has seen since Jan. 1.
"If they smoke, they go outside. But most of the time they just guzzle a beer and leave," she added.
In December, Goldstein was forced to lay off two bar staff because of her prediction that her business would take a turn for the worst with the smoking ban.
She added that they are enforcing the smoking ban at Chances R even though many bars in the province have been allowing their customers to smoke since the government announced there would be a two-month transition period.
However, Health Minister John Nilson clarified his position last week on the transition period and stated that bars would be ticketed if they do not enforce the smoking ban.
"During this initial 60-day period, we want to give everyone the opportunity to comply. This period does not mean, however, that smoking in public places can continue until March 1, 2005," said Nilson.
"If, after information, education and verbal or written warning, establishments or individuals remain in flagrant non-compliance they may well face tickets or charges," Nilson added.
Goldstein said that even though there are no tickets being handed out, she fears that non-compliance over the two-month period could hurt her chances of renewing her liquor license.
"They won't ticket us or the patrons for the two months, but they will write us up and send it off to the Liquor Control Board.
"Then it could be held against you when your liquor license has to be renewed," said Goldstein on the chance she is not willing to take. http://www.melfortjournal.com/story.php?id=136983
Smoking ban stays at psych facilities -ON
MARY-JANE EGAN, Free Press City Hall Reporter 2005-01-18
A bid to allow smoking in psychiatric facilities gained sympathy but insufficient support at a city committee last night. Kathleen Gillard made an emotional pitch to the community and protection services committee to exempt psychiatric facilities from the no-smoking bylaw, arguing the ban discriminates against the mentally ill who can't deal with the stress of nicotine withdrawal while trying to cope with their illnesses.
Most mental illness patients smoke, Gillard said. And her sister, Janet, who suffers from schizophrenia, has escaped needed care at London psychiatric facilities when she's been allowed out of lockdown to smoke outside.
"Who is going to pay for the two police officers who are called when my sister goes AWOL? This is her home. Why shouldn't she be able to smoke in her home?" she said of her sister's stints at St. Joseph's Regional Health Care's former London Psychiatric Hospital.
When London's smoking ban went into effect in 2003, a one-year moratorium was placed on psychiatric facilities because nicotine withdrawal can affect patients' medical regimen.
Coun. Joni Baechler said although she understands Gillard's concerns, the bylaw is designed to protect workers from second-hand smoke.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/News/2005/01/18/901716-sun.html
Ottawa allows smoking at White Bear casino -SK
CBC News Last Updated Jan 18 2005 01:56 PM CST
REGINA – There are now officially two sets of laws when it comes to where people can smoke in Saskatchewan.
On Tuesday, the federal government decided it wouldn't block a First Nations bylaw which allows smoking areas in the Bear Claw casino at White Bear First Nation near Carlyle.
It's a significant setback for the Saskatchewan government, which has been trying to impose a province-wide smoking ban in all enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants and casinos.
Maynard Sonntag, Saskatchewan's Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations said he is hopeful that he can still reach some kind of deal with aboriginal leaders.
Sonntag said the province is willing to be flexible on other rights for aboriginal people, if the two sides can reach an agreement on the smoking issue.
"The discussions I've been having is essentially to determine whether or not there is room for movement from the FSIN (Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations) and from the chief to determine whether or not they're interested in trying to advance the causes of inherent rights with the province," Sonntag said.
Sonntag would not be more specific about which rights the province is willing to negotiate on with aboriginal people. He said if he gave details, he might jeopardize the talks.
Last week, federal Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott said he'd need some time to think about whether or not to approve the White Bear smoking bylaw.
http://sask.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/casino050118.html
New calls to fast-track Calgary smoking bylaw -AB
CFCN.ca POSTED AT 5:21 PM Monday, January 17
Some Calgary aldermen say they will try to push city council to move up the public ban on smoking.
The ban is set to go in effect in all public places in 2008.
But anti-smoking activists say three years is too long to wait.
They pushing council to re-open the debate and speed up the implementation of the bylaw.
Ward 13 alderman Diane Colley-Urquhart agrees the ban should be brought in sooner.
"Now is the time," she says. "All of the research tells us that we have a responsibility to ensure the public health of the citizens of Calgary."
Colley-Urquhart says she will wait until after the Ward 10 by-election in February before bringing up the smoking bylaw again.
http://www.cfcn.ca/servlet/RTGAMArticleHTMLTemplate/B/20050117/smokingbylaw?brand=generic&hub=&tf=CFCNPlus/generic/hubs/frontpage.html&cf=CFCNPlus/gene
ric/hubs/frontpage.cfg&slug=smokingbylaw&date=20050117&archive=CFCNPlus&ad_page_name=&nav=home&subnav=fullstory
Dr. Albert Schumacher, CMA President, speaks out on pivotal tobacco case before the Supreme Court of Canada
MEDIA ALERT - Attention Assignment Editors:
OTTAWA, Jan. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is proud that during National Non-Smoking Week a critical tobacco court case will be heard by the Supreme Court. The case involves the tobacco industry's challenge of Saskatchewan's ban on tobacco displays in premises accessible by minors.
The Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Lung Association, the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society have made a written submission to the Court in support of the ban. The case will be heard January 19 - Weedless Wednesday.
CMA President, Dr. Albert Schumacher will be available by phone to discuss the importance of the case.
For further information: Carole Lavigne, (613) 731-8610 or 1-800-663-7336 ext. 1266
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/18/c4178.html
Understanding tobacco -ON
By PETER SELBY
head of the Nicotine Dependence Clinic Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - Page A18
Toronto -- Re No Smoking Ban Planned In Alberta, Klein Says (Jan. 15): I was alarmed by Alberta Premier Ralph Klein's conclusion that smokers are stupid. It's disconcerting that there continues to be a serious lack of understanding of Canada's No. 1 public health problem.
Like other addictions, the drive to smoke can be too powerful for a person to resist. In fact, 50 to 60 per cent of smoking behaviour is genetically determined. The addiction to tobacco is a real disease, classified as such by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association.
Just like any other chronic disease, tobacco dependence has biological, social and environmental determinants characterized by remission (stopping) and relapse (starting again). Many smokers relapse because their brains have been seriously affected by tobacco, and studies show that these abnormalities can persist for years after a smoker stops. We know that comprehensive strategies, including smoke-free environments, help smokers quit for good.
Mr. Klein should consider educating himself about how he could help Albertans by realizing that quitting smoking is a process and not an event.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050118/LETTERS18-6/TPNational/Canada
Ontario tobacco taxes rise by $1.25 a carton at midnight -ON
Canadian Press
Toronto — Smokers in Ontario will have to pay $1.25 more per carton as of midnight Tuesday as the provincial Liberal government raises tobacco taxes for the third time since coming to office.
“With this increase, Ontario comes one step closer to its plan to raise tobacco taxes to the national average,” Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said Tuesday.
The current national average is about $30 in provincial tobacco taxes. This increase boosts Ontario to $23.45, a spokeswoman for Mr. Sorbara said.
Since the Liberals were elected in October 2003, they have raised provincial tobacco taxes by $6.25, including this increase.
Mr. Sorbara said this move “is part of our comprehensive strategy to eliminate tobacco consumption, especially among young people.”
The higher tax means the cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes will rise by about 13 cents and a pack of 25 cigarettes will be up by about 16 cents.
Mr. Sorbara said this is part of the province's Smoke-Free Ontario campaign, which aims to reduce the number of smokers in the province and ties in with National Non-Smoking Week.
“Smoking is the No. 1 preventable cause of premature death and illness in Ontario, and it costs an estimated $1.7-billion a year in health-care spending to treat diseases directly caused by tobacco,” Mr. Sorbara said.
When the Liberals came into office they boosted provincial tobacco taxes by $2.50 a carton as part of other tax hikes, then raised them by $2.50 in last May's budget.
As part of its efforts to curtail smoking, the government has also introduced legislation to ban smoking in all workplaces and all public places, and aims to prevent young people from picking up the habit.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050118.wonta0118/BNStory/National
Promise of help for tobacco farmers unfulfilled, marketing board chairman says -ON
Fred Neukamm appears before the Ontario Legislature’s standing committee of finance and economic affairs
By Patrick Brennan Times-Journal Staff Tuesday January 18, 2005
LONDON, Ont. -- Fred Neukamm is a man running short on patience.
The chairman of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board appeared Monday before the Ontario Legislature’s standing committee of finance and economic affairs and pleaded the case for the government to live up to its promises.
“We need a fulfillment of the promise for immediate assistance,” Neukamm said. That promise was made by the Liberals as they campaigned in the provincial election.
“As of yet, we’ve not seen that promise fulfilled,” Neukamm said outside the room at the Four Points Sheraton where the committee heard him and a long list of groups appearing to make their point before the budget is handed down.
Neukamm said the tobacco growers are looking for assurances from the provincial government on whether they are prepared to sustain the tobacco industry as long there is consumption.
If the answer to that is issue is yes, Neukamm said long-term strategies are needed.
“Right now, we are in crisis management,” he said, referring to the tobacco board which represents 1,000 farm families, many of them in east Elgin, the Tillsonburg area, and Norfolk county.
If the government does not want to support sustainability, there is a need for more money to address growers’ needs, said Neukamm.
“We need immediate help right now because policies have driven the market down faster than any decline in consumption,” he said.
High taxes are only one issue, he said. That is having the net effect of forcing smokers to look for black market cigarettes.
Cigarette manufacturers, in turn, are looking to import cheap tobacco to keep their costs down and protect their share of the market, Neukamm said.
Overall, he said, compound problems are forcing about 100 growers out of business a year.
Neukamm said growers know the industry is in decline because of fewer smokers and need government help to manage a drop in consumption.
He said he took advantage of the opportunity to address the committee because of the issues are much broader than the provincial agriculture portfolio.
“Every opportunity we have to talk about this, we will take,” he said.
http://www.stthomastimesjournal.com/story.php?id=137975
Scott will accept smoking bylaw for First Nations casino: report SK
Broadcast News January 18, 2005
REGINA -- A media report says the federal Indian Affairs minister will not intervene in a bylaw that allows smoking at a First Nations casino in southeastern Saskatchewan, despite a province-wide ban on smoking in public places.
The report on CBC says minister Andy Scott told his Saskatchewan counterpart of his decision last night.
The province outlawed smoking in all enclosed public places on Jan. 1, but aboriginal leaders argued that the law doesn't apply on their land.
The White Bear First Nation passed the bylaw last month that allows smoking in its Bear Claw casino and bingo halls on the reserve near Carlyle.
Under the Indian Act, if a band has a bylaw that conflicts with provincial legislation, the bylaw prevails unless the federal minister objects.
Saskatchewan's aboriginal affairs minister, Maynard Sonntag had asked Scott to quash the bylaw.
Sonntag says he'll continue pressing to get the same set of rules for all businesses in the province.
He also says he will continue to talk to First Nations officials in an effort to reach an agreement on the smoking issue.
http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/news/story.html?id=c72f4e1b-04cf-44fa-8f82-1d805b4132f6
Supreme court to hear Sask tobacco law case -SK
Dan Dugas Canadian Press January 18, 2005
OTTAWA (CP) -- As Canadians mark Weedless Wednesday, the country's highest court will be the scene of a high-stakes tobacco showdown.
Supreme Court justices will hear arguments on a Saskatchewan law barring cigarette promotional displays in stores accessible by children.
The Saskatchewan law was struck down by a lower court as butting into federal jurisdiction -- a ruling that could eventually quash similar laws in other provinces -- and the provincial government is appealing.
The federal government, six provinces, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Lung Society, the Canadian Medical Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada are intervenors.
On the other side of the argument is Rothmans, Benson and Hedges Inc.
The company will argue that Saskatchewan cannot enact legislation that goes further than the federal Tobacco Control Act, which already places severe restrictions on cigarette advertising.
Health groups say it's a pivotal case.
"Obviously, (the industry is) looking at any argument it can to strike down legislation that's having an impact on its sales and profits,'' said lawyer Rob Cunningham of the cancer society.
"Ultimately, what's driving the decision making at Rothmans, Benson and Hedges is its desire to maximize profits and sales.''
Health groups estimate the tobacco industry paid $90 million to retailers in Canada in 2003 for promotional displays as a marketing tool to boost sales.
They say young people should not be exposed to displays of addictive and potentially lethal tobacco products.
"Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable lung disease and the leading cause of preventable death in Canada,'' said Deirdre Freiheit, president of the Canadian Lung Association.
"Retail displays have been used by the tobacco industry to target and manipulate youth. We must protect Canadians, especially our children, from inducements to consume this deadly product.''
The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled in 2003 that the ban on retail displays was in conflict with the federal Tobacco Act.
Manitoba and Nunavut have adopted legislation similar to that in Saskatchewan and Ontario introduced anti-tobacco legislation late last year that would, among other things, curb displays of cigarettes in stores.
Sally Brown of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada said it's critical to uphold the Saskatchewan legislation because of its affect on other provinces.
On Tuesday, Ontario hiked tobacco taxes by $1.25 a carton -- the third increase since the Liberals took office in 2003.
Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said the move "is part of our comprehensive strategy to eliminate tobacco consumption, especially among young people.''
http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/news/story.html?id=4b8d7a94-ebe3-4b72-9dfa-577935ee7970
Posted at 4:40 pm by looped_ca
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
What was spread in the press
Butt out, Ralphie -AB
For Klein to lecture Albertans on health is bizarre
By Ezra Levant -- Calgary Sun Mon, January 17, 2005
Premier Ralph Klein had said he wanted to put up billboards saying "if you're stupid, smoke".
Did he mean that only stupid people smoke? Surely not. Because he smokes himself. And Klein isn't stupid. Many intelligent people smoke. Einstein was a chimney.
So maybe Klein meant that while stupid people smoke, some smart people, like himself, smoke too, for reasons that are stupid. Perhaps there are some stupid reasons to smoke. But how about the main reason people smoke? They like the taste, and the unique feeling that nicotine gives its users: Simultaneous relaxation and stimulation.
Liking that sensation isn't stupid, even though it may be unhealthy. The premier and his health minister, Iris Evans, are both overweight, too.
That's just as unhealthy as smoking -- but is it stupid? Would Klein and Evans put up billboards saying: "If you're stupid, eat dessert?" Everyone who smokes knows it may be unhealthy, just as anyone does who eats hollandaise sauce or cheesecake. But we don't call that stupid. We call that a personal choice, because enjoying life is a part of living. At least it still is, for now.
Perhaps by stupid, Klein and Evans mean that smoking costs the government money in health care.
Could be -- but smokers more than make up for it through high taxes and, frankly, by dying a few years earlier than the rest of us. Which means they take less pension money. It's a ghoulish calculation, but if cost to the taxpayer is a reason not to be "stupid," then dying the day one stops working is the new definition of "smart".
Smokers know smoking may not be healthy. They do it anyway, because it's a free country. For the government to tax, and condemn, and regulate, and ban, and eventually criminalize smoking is the government's way of saying that you no longer own your body -- they do.
Klein changed his mind on banning smoking province-wide late Friday and one has to wonder who or what got to him. Perhaps common sense. Maybe his hypocrisy, since obviously he and Evans can't govern their own appetites, yet wanted to govern yours.
But how about those other unhealthy appetites? Klein has admitted to a problem with alcohol. Evans, before she was elected to public office, had a habit that could only be described as bizarre -- her "occupation" was entering contests and draws. I don't know if that's a gambling addiction, but it's odd. Yet these two were ready to cast the first stone at tobacco sinners.
They failed, of course. People don't smoke because Klein and Evans, or the government, approve or disapprove. They didn't start because of Klein's bad example, and they won't stop because he's now holier than them.
It's another sign of Klein's drift. There are real problems out there -- a socialist health-care system, a renewed Kyoto threat, Ottawa disparaging our elected senators, an energy tax grab against Newfoundland that looks like a dry run for a swipe at Alberta. But instead of dealing with any of these real issues, Klein and his red Tories are focusing their laws and our tax dollars on being busybodies, nannies and nags.
Sorry. Free men wouldn't listen to such preaching even from a lean, fit abstainer. Coming from Klein and Evans, a mixture of curses and jeers is in order.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/Columnists/Calgary/Ezra_Levant/2005/01/16/900586.html
Attention News/Health/Environmental/Assignment Editors:
Media Advisory - Rising Health Risks Linked to Urban Sprawl: Family Doctors to Release Comprehensive Research Review
On Wednesday, join us for the results of a comprehensive review of research on the links between urban sprawl and public health
TORONTO, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, January 19th, the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) will release an exhaustive review of research on the relationship between urban sprawl and public health. A group of distinguished family doctors authored the study in order to provide policy makers with the clearest research summary on the topic of urban sprawl and public health - critical for planning our communities - and to help educate Ontarians about the choices we make as a society.
The results of this review cover selected studies and describe the findings regarding major adverse health effects associated with urban sprawl.
Come to find out more about the study's findings, which include:
- Longer commuting distances mean increased traffic fatalities (one of our populations leading causes of death);
- Greater travel distances lead to increased air pollution, which is worsening in Ontario and contributing to rising incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular disease;
- Sprawl makes public transit less financially feasible;
- People in car-dependent neighbourhoods walk less, weigh more, have higher blood pressure, and more incidences of diabetes and cardiovascular disease; and,
- People in sprawling communities are more likely to suffer mental health problems.
Who: Jan Kasperski, RN, MHSc, CHE, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, OCFP; Riina Bray, BASc, MSc, MD, CCFP, Physician - Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Chair OCFP's Environmental Health Committee; Cathy Vakil, MD, CCFP, Lecturer - Queen's University, Member OCFP's Environmental Health Committee.
When: Wednesday, January 19, 2005- 11 a.m.
Where: Media Studio
Queen's Park, Main Legislature Building
Toronto, ON
For further information: Mike Van Soelen, Environics Communications, (416) 969-2717
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c3498.html
Attention Business Editors:
Consumers' Association Launches Class Action Lawsuit Against Beverage Industry, Retailers and Encorp Pacific
VANCOUVER, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - The Consumers' Association of Canada today announced that on behalf of all consumers in British Columbia it has filed a major class action lawsuit against the beverage industry, retailers and Encorp Pacific. The focus of the lawsuit is the illegal use of consumer deposits collected under BC's Beverage Container Stewardship Program Regulation.
Dozens of companies such as Coca-Cola Bottling, Save-On Foods, Wal-Mart and London Drugs are named in the lawsuit. Encorp Pacific is the beverage
container agency, the authorized steward approved by the BC Government under the regulation.
"The BC beverage container regulation is very clear," said Mr. Bruce Cran, President of the Consumers' Association of Canada, "deposits collected from consumers can only be used for one purpose - paying refunds to consumers when containers are returned. Since 1998 the industry has collected and used over $70 million in consumer deposits for purposes that are not authorized under the regulation."
For example, consumer deposits were used to pay damages awarded as a result of a lawsuit against the beverage container agency for improper conduct in the operation of its stewardship plan.
When the Beverage Container legislation was introduced the Government made clear that this legislation was based on an industry stewardship model reflecting the polluter pay principle. "At the time beverage containers were filling up landfills and costing municipalities millions of dollars each year to manage," said Mr. Cran.
"The purpose of the legislation was to have industry assume responsibility for its polluting product by putting into place a recycling system and paying the costs of this system," said Mr. Cran. "The consumers' role was to pay the deposit, incur the costs of returning the container and then obtain a refund when the container was returned. To date, consumers have carried out their responsibility to a high level and recycling is a major success in the province."
Not only did the beverage industry use consumer deposits for purposes not authorized by the regulation they also imposed an additional unauthorised recycling fee on top of the deposit. Since 1999 the beverage industry has collected about $60 million from its Container Recycling Fee without having any legislative authority for this levy. "Simply stated, it's an illegal fee," said Mr. Cran.
"The industry shifted all its polluter pay costs onto the backs of consumers and did so without any legislative authority," said Mr. Cran. "It's time the industry started paying its fair share of the costs for managing its product."
For further information: Contact Mr. Bruce Cran, Tel. (604) 418-8359
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c3388.html
Attention News/Health Editors:
Media Advisory - National Health Organizations Participating in Pivotal Tobacco Court Case This Week
Young People Should Not Be Exposed to Tobacco Promotion
OTTAWA, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Medical Association and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada will be contributing to the fight against tobacco on
Wednesday, January 19 through their participation in a pivotal tobacco court case being heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Supreme Court will be considering the validity of Saskatchewan legislation prohibiting tobacco displays and signage in premises accessible to minors. The four national health organizations have intervener status in the case. The groups have submitted their written argument to the Supreme Court in support of the Saskatchewan legislation. The health groups believe that young people should not be exposed to promotional displays of tobacco products as these products are addictive and lethal.
"The tobacco industry is fighting the Saskatchewan legislation to protect their sales and profits," says Rob Cunningham, lawyer for the Canadian Cancer Society. "The tobacco industry spends the largest portion of its marketing budget on point of purchase promotion of tobacco products. In 2002, the industry spent $77 million across Canada in payments to retailers."
In March 2002, Saskatchewan legislation came into force to ban tobacco displays in premises accessible by minors. In an effort to strike down this legislation, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges filed a constitutional challenge with the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench. In September 2002, this Court upheld the legislation, but a year later this decision was overturned on appeal. In October 2003, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled that the ban on retail displays was in conflict with the federal Tobacco Act and, as a result, was inoperative. The Saskatchewan government appealed the case to the Supreme Court of Canada. Manitoba and Nunavut have adopted legislation similar to that in Saskatchewan. In addition, Ontario introduced anti-tobacco legislation in December that would, among other things, curb displays of cigarettes in stores.
"Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable lung disease and the leading cause of preventable death in Canada," says Deirdre Freiheit, President and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association. "Retail displays have been used by the tobacco industry to target and manipulate youth. We must protect Canadians, especially our children, from inducements to consume this deadly product."
"We know that the point of advertising is to increase consumption of products, and tobacco is no exception," says Sally Brown, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. "This is why it is so critical to uphold Saskatchewan's attempts to ban the retail promotion of tobacco. Thislegislation will make a difference and will keep our children from being exposed to promotions of a harmful product."
"Canada's doctors are involved because tobacco kills our patients," says Dr. Albert Schumacher, President, Canadian Medical Association. "Initiatives restricting the promotion of tobacco products to our kids are critical to ensure they are not seduced into this life-threatening addiction."
January 16 to 22 is National Non-Smoking Week; Wednesday, January 19 is Weedless Wednesday.
The hearing, which starts at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, will take place at:
The Supreme Court of Canada
301 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
The four national health groups are entitled to submit written argument (but not oral argument) to the Supreme Court. To view the written submission of the four health groups to the Supreme Court of Canada go to www.cancer.ca. Six provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island) and the federal government have also intervened in support of the Saskatchewan legislation.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
The Lung Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lung health of Canadians through research, prevention and education. With a focus on the prevention and control of lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, The Lung Association also offers help in the area of smoking prevention, cessation and air quality. The Lung Association offers a toll-free line at 1-888-566-5864 (LUNG) and our website at www.lung.ca.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca) is a leading funder of heart and stroke research in Canada. Our mission is to improve the health of Canadians by preventing and reducing disability and death from heart disease and stroke through research, health promotion and advocacy.
The Canadian Medical Association is the national voice of physicians in Canada. Representing 59,000 physicians across the country, the CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada for the highest standards of health and health care.
For further information: Canadian Cancer Society, Rob Cunningham, (613) 565-2522, ext. 305; Canadian Lung Association, Mary-Pat Shaw, Director,
National Programs and Administration, (613) 569-6411, ext. 227; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Heather Rourke, Communications, (613) 569-4361, ext. 318, hrourke@hsf.ca; Canadian Medical Association, Carole Lavigne, Manager, Media Relations, (613) 731-8610/1, 1-800-663-7336, ext. 1266
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c2668.html
Attention News/Health Editors:
Doctors and dentists team up against tobacco
HALIFAX, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - Health-care providers are continuing to line up against tobacco use. Nova Scotia's doctors and dentists, who see the effects of smoking on their patients every day, have joined forces to talk to their patients about the health impacts of tobacco.
"Talking about smoking is the first step on the road to quitting," said Dr. Maria Alexiadis, President of Doctors Nova Scotia. "We want to open the dialogue between us, the health-care providers, and our patients."
Opening that dialogue is easier with a new Why You Want to Quit Smoking information card produced jointly by the Nova Scotia Dental Association and Doctors Nova Scotia.
"Tobacco cessation is an important initiative for dentistry," said Dr. Heather Carr, a practicing dentist and Tobacco Cessation Representative for the dental association. "From periodontal disease to oral cancer, tobacco frequently causes significant damage in a person's mouth." Statistics show that smokers are between four to 15 times more likely to contract oral cancer.
Why You Want to Quit Smoking is being distributed to physician and dental offices across Nova Scotia during National Non-Smoking Week, Jan. 16 to 22. The information is also available on the Doctors Nova Scotia website,www.doctorsNS.com. This tool represents the latest in a series of cooperative
tobacco-cessation initiatives between the two organizations.
The information card is aimed at making smokers think about their own personal reasons to quit smoking to help them see how they could benefit from
quitting.
"Together, the membership of our two organizations reaches the majority of Nova Scotians at some point during the year," said Dr. Alexiadis, "and its important that we use that opportunity to help our patients who smoke realize how their habit is affecting their health."
Doctors Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Dental Association want to ensure all Nova Scotians know there is support for anyone who is thinking about quitting smoking. "Talking with a health-care provider about your reasons to quit," said Dr. Alexiadis, "is an excellent way to start."
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Doctors and dentists across Nova Scotia have teamed up against tobacco use.
Doctors Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Dental Association have jointly produced a new information card, Why you want to quit smoking. This tool is aimed at opening dialogue between patients and their health-care providers. The province's doctors and dentists want Nova Scotians to know there is
support for tobacco users who want to quit. Talking with a health-care provider is an excellent way to start.
Doctors Nova Scotia is the professional association that represents over 3,000 physicians, medical students and residents in the province of Nova Scotia. The association works in partnership with other health-care organizations to enhance the quality of medical care for Nova Scotians. This is achieved through health promotion, development of health-care policies, peer review, medical education and negotiations with government on behalf of physicians.
The Nova Scotia Dental Association is the professional membership organization representing this province's 460+ dentists. The Association is engaged in member advocacy, the advancement of the profession of dentistry and the promotion of the benefits of good oral health to all Nova Scotians. Dentistry's award-winning children's web site, www.healthyteeth.org, features tobacco cessation information aimed at the province's school children.
For further information: Karla Gimby, Health Promotions/Issues Coordinator, Doctors Nova Scotia, (902) 468-1866 ext. 239,
karla.gimby@doctorsns.com; Steve Jennex, APR, Communications Director, Nova
Scotia Dental Association, (902) 420-0088, nsda@hfx.eastlink.ca
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c2675.html
Attention News/Health Editors:
Canadian Cancer Society urges the BC Government to Support Smoke-free Legislation
VANCOUVER, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society believes that the British Columbia government must make curbing tobacco a priority. Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in Canada. More than 47,000 Canadians, including 5,600 British Columbians, die each year from tobacco related illness, including lung cancer, throat and oral cancer, heart disease, stroke, and emphysema. Further, each year more than 500 British Columbians die from exposure to second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths and more than 85% of lung cancers.
"Given these sobering statistics, it is startling that British Columbia's existing second-hand smoke regulation allows smoking in enclosed rooms in restaurants and bars," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. The regulation, which states that rooms must be separately ventilated and workers can not spend more than 20% of their shift in these rooms, is more cosmetic than real. There is little enforcement of the law and businesses are not held accountable. Research has shown that the designated smoking rooms do not protect workers and patrons to the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke. Something must be done about this. The Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division, believes that the government of British Columbia must enact legislation that would restrict smoking in all public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars.
In Canada, British Columbia was once a leader in tobacco control. Today, six provinces (Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Newfoundland) and two territories (Northwest Territories, Nunavut) have adopted or announced 100% smoke-free legislation. Several US States (California, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island) have already implemented smoking bans in restaurants and bars. Internationally, in 2004, Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand all implemented nation-wide smoke-free legislation. If Ireland, with its pub culture, can ban smoking in all bars, British Columbia can certainly do the same.
"Strong non-smoking legislation protects workers and patrons from the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke," said Kaminsky. "Further, non-smoking legislation helps smokers to quit or smoke less, thus reducing smoking rates. The Canadian Cancer Society would like you to take steps to tell government
that British Columbians want smoke-free public places."
The BC government's own Tobacco Control Strategy makes no commitment towards announcing or adopting province-wide smoke-free legislation. In November 2004, the Select Standing Committee on Health issued a report entitled, The Path to Health and Wellness: Making British Columbians Healthier
by 2010. While the report contained many good recommendations to government, it fell short of recommending a province-wide smoking ban.
The Canadian Cancer Society knows first hand the harm and devastation tobacco related disease can cause, and is committed to curbing the tobacco epidemic. National Non-Smoking Week is the perfect time for you to call on your government to protect the health of all BC workers. Let your voices be heard. This election year, ask your MLA his or her position on smoking bans in public places and workplaces. Ask candidates from other parties where they
stand on the issue. Together, we must let the government of British Columbia know that it needs to act now, to protect all BC workers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, and to showcase a smoke-free BC at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In 2004, 8,500 British Columbians were expected to die from cancer. Imagine if this number were reduced by 30%!
For further information: Heather Lochner, Communications Manager, Canadian Cancer Society, (604) 675-7340, hlochner@bc.cancer.ca
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c3344.html
Attention News/Health Editors:
Blood test could pave way for better use of promising cancer treatment, new Canadian Cancer Society research shows
Canadian anti-angiogenesis expert leads exciting new study
TORONTO, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - Canadian Cancer Society researcher Dr. Robert Kerbel has new evidence that a blood test could provide doctors with the first effective way to evaluate a promising experimental cancer therapy in patients. Dr. Kerbel's findings are published in the January 17, 2005 issue of Cancer
Cell.
"Anti-angiogenesis is an exciting treatment concept, but a major hurdle to its success in clinical development has been the lack of a valid tool to measure its effectiveness in patients," says Dr. Kerbel, a scientist at Sunnybrook & Women's Research Institute and the University of Toronto.
"Our research has found that a blood test that measures levels of certain cells circulating in the blood stream is a strikingly accurate way to monitor anti-angiogenic treatments. Moving forward, we now may have a better way to reliably determine optimal dosing for patients, which could be the key piece of the puzzle for bringing anti-angiogenic treatments into standard use."
Dr. Kerbel is recognized internationally for his pioneering work in the field of anti-angiogenic therapy. This treatment approach - currently being tested on patients in many clinical trials, including trials in Canada - works by interfering with tumour angiogenesis, the process whereby tumours form new blood vessels. By blocking a tumour's access to blood vessels, this treatment aims to starve the cancer of the oxygen and nutrients in its blood supply, slowing its growth and perhaps even causing it to wither away.
Canadian Cancer Society research spokesperson, Dr. Michael Wosnick, says, "This research is a true made-in-Canada success story. Anti-angiogenic therapy is a prime example of Canadian research helping lead the way towards more selective cancer treatments that target biological processes associated with tumour development and minimize side effects for patients.
"Anti-angiogenic treatments hold great promise for patients with cancers including prostate, colorectal, lung and breast cancer. With further research in this area, we may see an exciting improvement in the outlook for many of these patients worldwide," adds Dr. Wosnick, who is executive director of the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the research partner of the Canadian Cancer Society.
In this study, Dr. Kerbel and his research team - including lead author Yuval Shaked, a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Kerbel's lab - used a number of mice models to investigate properties of certain blood vessel cells circulating in the blood stream. Their findings show that the levels of these circulating cells correspond remarkably well with new blood vessel formation in tumours as well as blood vessel response to anti-angiogenic therapy.
More importantly, treatment with anti-angiogenic drugs caused a dose-dependant reduction in the circulating cells that precisely parallel the anti-tumour activity established in animal models of these drugs. The researchers suggest the blood test could therefore be a way to better determine the optimal dosage of anti-angiogenic therapies for patients.
One of Canada's foremost cancer researchers, Dr. Kerbel is highly regarded for discoveries that are helping to improve cancer therapies and the lives of cancer patients. He is this year's recipient of the Robert L. Noble Prize, the most prestigious research award sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society for outstanding achievements in cancer research. His research, and in particular his development of anti-angiogenic therapy, has been supported with funds from the Canadian Cancer Society throughout his career.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For further information: contact: Carmen Kinniburgh, Communications, Canadian Cancer Society, (416) 934-5684; Fiona Taylor, Public Affairs, Sunnybrook & Women's Research Institute, (416) 480-4040
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c3345.html
Stores want in on booze action
By Chen Chekki - The Chronicle-Journal
January 17, 2005
A handful of grocery stores and convenience stores around Thunder Bay are generally mixed about the idea of being allowed to sell wine and beer in their stores.
Ontario is reviewing Ontario’s liquor laws that have not been changed in about 80 years and several top cabinet ministers in the Liberal government, according to a Toronto Star report, think that letting corner stores sell wine and beer is not such a bad idea.
And neither does the co-owner of Northwood Foods.
“Ontario is the only place in the world where you can’t get beer in a grocery store,” said Jim Morancy, co-owner of the grocery at 425 Edward St. N. “For some reason, Ontario has stricter controls.”
His enthusiasm is shared by Lynn Tapak, owner of Tapak’s Grocery at 601 McTavish St.
“I think it’s a really good idea,” she said.
Selling wine and beer could help offset any revenue losses from a provincial plan that could see countertop cigarette displays eliminated, she said.
A part-owner of Westfort Foods at 111 Frederica St. E. is also warm to the idea of selling wine and beer.
Rob Van Dyk said he would be interested in getting involved with wine and beer sales as long as there was proper staff training for handling it and to get age identification from customers buying it.
Others stores in the city, however, appear to be sitting on the fence.
Quality Market grocery stores had no comment and the owner of Renco Foods said he needed more information before he could decide whether it would be a good idea.
“If it’s done right, there would be no problem with it,” Naz Larizza said.
Roy Semeniuk, owner of Shop and Snack Confectionery at 2247 Isabella St., said he is opposed to the idea because he is worried about wine and beer serving as another temptation for would-be robbers and leading to a rise in the rate of break-ins.
“You don’t need them in the corner stores,” he said.
Victoria Park Variety owner Def Kargatzis said she isn’t sure if it would be the right or wrong thing to do.
“I don’t know how that would work out at a corner store,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Liberal MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North said it is important to note that nobody is making any official recommendations for corner stores to be allowed to sell wine and beer just yet.
Michael Gravelle said the four-person panel that will report back to Finance Minister Greg Sorbara in the spring may or may not recommend it. The privatization of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario has already been ruled out, Gravelle added.
If wine and beer is recommended to be sold in corner stores, however, Gravelle said he wouldn’t have any huge problems with it, as long as strict controls are put in place.
“I am one of those people who tends to think it’s not a bad idea,” he said. “We are a modern society.”
He said he wants strong regulations in place to keep young people from accessing wine and beer if it is allowed to be sold in a corner store.
Ontario’s New Democratic Leader Howard Hampton said the idea is another way for the McGuinty government to get some “quick money.”
Bill Mauro, Liberal MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan, was unavailable for comment.
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/story.shtml?id=25351
Editorial: Get serious on Kyoto -ON
Jan. 17, 2005. 01:00 AM
When Ottawa and the provinces finally got serious about getting Canadians to butt out, they augmented their television and newspaper ads telling us that smoking is bad for our health with regulatory and tax changes that were far more effective in getting people to quit.
Bans on smoking in public places, stiff penalties for retailers who sell tobacco to minors, and a big increase in cigarette taxes accomplished far more than gratuitous advice.
As a result, smoking across Canada is on the decline.
Now Ottawa wants us to curb another bad habit, our wasteful use of energy, which is contributing to climate change. Canada's obligations under the Kyoto agreement call for us to cut our emissions of greenhouse gases by 240 million tonnes over the next seven years.
But just as it did with smoking, the federal government started out taking the easy road. They did it by encouraging business and consumers alike to reduce their energy usage because it is the right thing to do.
Everyone has seen Rick Mercer on TV asking Canadians to take "the one-tonne challenge" — to take public transit, buy energy efficient appliances, turn down the thermostat, do the things we already know we ought to do, but don't.
Like smokers, we are all creatures of habit, and habits are hard to break.
And so, as with smoking, Ottawa has come to the realization that if it doesn't introduce carrots and sticks that push us to change our behaviour, we will continue to let our cars, appliances, homes, offices and factories just keep on smoking, as it were.
As part of the budget preparations currently underway, Ottawa is reportedly considering billions of dollars in new spending on inducements to encourage Canadians to reduce their emissions. Under discussion are a wide range of incentives to help consumers make the switch to energy-efficient appliances, hybrid cars, solar power and other environmentally friendly technologies as well as tax credits for businesses that reduce their energy use.
The degree to which such measures survive the finance minister's axe will provide the clearest signal yet as to how serious the government is about meeting its commitments under the Kyoto accord.
If Ottawa is serious, it should also consider big-picture initiatives that could pay substantial dividends, including major investments in big-city transit and in a national power grid to move clean renewable energy from Manitoba, Quebec and Labrador to areas of the country that currently rely on coal.
The Kyoto agreement comes into force on Feb. 16. With the clock starting to tick on that day, Ottawa must move beyond jawboning, and get on with a serious action plan.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=110574377123
8&call_pageid=968256290204&col=968350116795
Saginaw native creates a less stinky cigarette
SAGINAW, Mich. Is there a way to make cigarettes less smelly and annoying?
Yes, says a Saginaw native at the helm of a small independent cigarette company.
John Czerewko is vice president of E Tobacco. The lifelong smoker was recruited about two years ago to bring his new cigarettes to market.
Because smokers' bodies are depleted of vitamin E by their habit, Russo invented and patented a tobacco blend and chemical process that allows smokers to absorb the nutrient as they puff.
Besides the benefits of vitamin E, Czerewko said, the additive in E Cigarettes produces several beneficial side effects. But he concedes smoking is still a dangerous habit.
He says noticeable effects include reductions in both lingering smoky odor and throat irritation.
The cigarettes, manufactured in South Boston, Virginia, are available at several locations throughout Michigan.
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2819389
Senate Republicans Planning to Unveil Health Plan -KS
Senate Republican leaders are planning to unveil their health care plan. They have a news conference scheduled Tuesday morning in the Senate chamber at 9:30 a.m.
Details are not being released yet, but Majority Leader Derek Schmidt of Independence said the plan will address health care and prescription drug costs.
The effort is being led by Senator Jim Barnett. The Emporia physician is chairman of the Public Health Committee.
Governor Sebelius, a Democrat, outlined a proposed $50 million health package in November, designed to extend state or private health coverage to as many as 100,000 uninsured Kansans.
Her plan would be financed mainly by increasing the state cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack to $1.29.
http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/1356626.html
Damp and mould in homes causes asthma
Posted By: News-Medical in Medical Research News Published: Monday, 17-Jan-2005
Researchers at the University of Birmingham's Institute for Occupational and Environmental Medicine are citing damp and mould in homes as a cause of asthma. The study is published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal and links the University of Birmingham with the University of Helsinki, Finland and the Diwan College, Taiwan.
The 6 year study followed 1,984 Finnish children aged 1 to 7 years to see if they developed asthma. Researchers recorded if a child's parents had asthma or allergies, and looked at the condition of their houses, noting histories of water damage, presence of moisture and visible moulds, and perceived mould odour in the home. A total of 138 children developed asthma, 7.2% of the study, with mould cited as a contributing factor independent of parents' medical histories.
Professor Jouni Jaakkola, Director of the University of Birmingham's Institute for Occupational and Environmental Medicine explains: "These finding strengthen evidence that exposure to moulds increases the risk of developing asthma in childhood. They also show the importance of heredity - children of parents with asthma have a two-fold risk of asthma compared with children of non-asthmatic parents".
He adds: "The results of this study are of interest in every country where housing stock is prone to damp, and add to previous studies linking asthma with chemicals and cigarette smoke. Simple ways to protect children against developing asthma include keeping damp and mould at bay, exposing children to fresh air, and never letting them breathe second hand cigarette smoke".
The University of Birmingham started to work in this area 70 years ago with the establishment of the Department of Industrial Hygiene and Medicine, and has changed emphasis along with changes in working life from the industrial revolution to today's mobile and dynamic workplace. As we are interested in the how the environment as a whole affects human health there is now more synergy between occupational and environmental health in research and teaching.
A recent study led by Prof Jouni Jaakkola identified jobs that put people at higher risk of developing adult asthma. Asthma risk was increased consistently in heavy industries such as chemical, rubber and plastic, and wood and paper. More nonindustrial employees such as waiters, laboratory technicians and dentists are also at risk. This study was the first to identify an increased risk of asthma among waiters and waitresses, likely to be explained by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
National Asthma Campaign statistics state that over 5.1 million people in the UK have asthma -around 1 in 13 adults.
http://www.bham.ac.uk
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=7326
Konkona's cigarette creates a problem By Vickey Lalwani ©2005 Bollyvista.com 
Did you know that director Manu Rewal's 'Chai Pani Etc' met with stiff resistance from the unpredictable Censor Board?
The censors objected to a scene showing Konkona Sen Sharma smoking a cigarette. Thereafter, the film got stuck for seven months! The director was keen on entering the competition section of the International Film Festival in Goa. By then, the cut-off date for entering the film had elapsed. Strange, hot smooching and lovemaking scenes are allowed to go by but just one cigarette isn’t!!!
http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/4026
*goa is the festival in India
LEARY LOVES GOLDEN GLOBES FREEBIES -CA
Comedian DENIS (corr) LEARY was delighted when he was nominated for a GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD because he loves stealing items from backstage at prizegivings.
The funnyman, who was nominated as a Best Actor in a TV Drama Series for his part in firefighter series RESCUE ME, admits he grabs all the freebies he's offered, and then some.
He said, "I'm thinking about grabbing some free stuff and stealing ashtrays.
"They give celebrities all this free stuff but, here's the thing, in the rooms where you go to get the free stuff there's stuff that's not free that you can stick in the bags; they'll never notice.
"Plus, you're a celebrity; they're not gonna stop you... I take everything that's not bolted down."
Leary also hinted before last night's (16JAN05) ceremony that he might steal someone else's award - if he doesn't get one.
He added, "In that room, when you go to sneak a smoke with those other guys... there's gotta be a table full of those things.
"My award is up early and if I lose I go out, smoke a cigarette, fling - I got a Golden Globe. Three years from now no one's gonna remember."
17/01/2005 04:49
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/leary%20l
oves%20golden%20globes%20freebies
* held Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills the great nonsmoking state.
Blood test could pave way for better use of promising cancer treatment, new Canadian Cancer Society research shows
Canadian anti-angiogenesis expert leads exciting new study
TORONTO, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - Canadian Cancer Society researcher Dr. Robert Kerbel has new evidence that a blood test could provide doctors with the first effective way to evaluate a promising experimental cancer therapy in patients. Dr. Kerbel's findings are published in the January 17, 2005 issue of Cancer
Cell.
"Anti-angiogenesis is an exciting treatment concept, but a major hurdle to its success in clinical development has been the lack of a valid tool to measure its effectiveness in patients," says Dr. Kerbel, a scientist at Sunnybrook & Women's Research Institute and the University of Toronto.
"Our research has found that a blood test that measures levels of certain cells circulating in the blood stream is a strikingly accurate way to monitor anti-angiogenic treatments. Moving forward, we now may have a better way to reliably determine optimal dosing for patients, which could be the key piece of the puzzle for bringing anti-angiogenic treatments into standard use."
Dr. Kerbel is recognized internationally for his pioneering work in the field of anti-angiogenic therapy. This treatment approach - currently being tested on patients in many clinical trials, including trials in Canada - works by interfering with tumour angiogenesis, the process whereby tumours form new blood vessels. By blocking a tumour's access to blood vessels, this treatment aims to starve the cancer of the oxygen and nutrients in its blood supply, slowing its growth and perhaps even causing it to wither away.
Canadian Cancer Society research spokesperson, Dr. Michael Wosnick, says, "This research is a true made-in-Canada success story. Anti-angiogenic therapy is a prime example of Canadian research helping lead the way towards more selective cancer treatments that target biological processes associated with tumour development and minimize side effects for patients.
"Anti-angiogenic treatments hold great promise for patients with cancers including prostate, colorectal, lung and breast cancer. With further research in this area, we may see an exciting improvement in the outlook for many of these patients worldwide," adds Dr. Wosnick, who is executive director of the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the research partner of the Canadian Cancer Society.
In this study, Dr. Kerbel and his research team - including lead author Yuval Shaked, a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Kerbel's lab - used a number of mice models to investigate properties of certain blood vessel cells circulating in the blood stream. Their findings show that the levels of these circulating cells correspond remarkably well with new blood vessel formation in tumours as well as blood vessel response to anti-angiogenic therapy.
More importantly, treatment with anti-angiogenic drugs caused a dose-dependant reduction in the circulating cells that precisely parallel the anti-tumour activity established in animal models of these drugs. The researchers suggest the blood test could therefore be a way to better determine the optimal dosage of anti-angiogenic therapies for patients.
One of Canada's foremost cancer researchers, Dr. Kerbel is highly regarded for discoveries that are helping to improve cancer therapies and the lives of cancer patients. He is this year's recipient of the Robert L. Noble Prize, the most prestigious research award sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society for outstanding achievements in cancer research. His research, and in particular his development of anti-angiogenic therapy, has been supported with funds from the Canadian Cancer Society throughout his career.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For further information: contact: Carmen Kinniburgh, Communications, Canadian Cancer Society, (416) 934-5684; Fiona Taylor, Public Affairs, Sunnybrook & Women's Research Institute, (416) 480-4040
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/17/c3345.html
Posted at 5:45 pm by looped_ca
Monday, January 17, 2005
-MB
Saturday, January 15th, 2005
TREHERNE hotel owner Robert Jenkinson will go to court in mid-July to fight the charges laid against him under the province's new anti-smoking legislation.
Jenkinson's lawyer, Art Stacey, said three days beginning July 18 have been set aside for the trial, which will be held in Portage la Prairie.
Jenkinson faces 13 charges under the new law, including failure to have proper signage, allowing ashtrays to be on tables, and failing to prevent customers from smoking.
Under the law, individuals can be fined $500, and businesses face a maximum fine of $3,000.
Stacey said he decided to forego a separate constitutional challenge of the new law, adding he will make those arguments as part of Jenkinson's defence.
More than $15,000 in cash and an equal amount in pledges has been raised by the Rural Hotel Owners, a provincewide group of business people opposed to the law, to help Jenkinson with his legal bills.
winnipegpress.com
Alberta's Health Minister, is pushing too hard letter- AB
IRIS EVANS, Alberta's Health Minister, is pushing too hard for banning smoking, along with anti-smoking activist Les Hagen, just so they can get their names in the history pages. Welcome to Communist Canada. Considering the revenue received from smokers, it will put quite a dent in the government's cash-flow if we all butt out. I find it very ironic that these people are so against smoking and I've never heard of anyone hurting, killing or having a vehicle accident due to smoking. How about getting rid of alcohol instead? Or would this be stepping on political toes?
Carol Koellmel
Redcliff, Alta.
(Klein has backed off on a province-wide ban.)
http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySun/editorial.html#letters
Ralph butts out ban plan -AB
By JERRY WARD, LEGISLATURE BUREAU Sat, January 15, 2005
Premier wants to leave public smoking decision to municipalities
EDMONTON -- Premier Ralph Klein yesterday snuffed out a plan by his health minister to start discussions on invoking a complete public smoking ban in Alberta. After a speech in Montreal, Klein said his government is not looking to implement a blanket ban on butts in public places, instead leaving that decision up to individual municipalities.
"I've never called for a smoking ban and never will. But I think if you smoke, you're stupid," said Klein.
Provincial Health Minister Iris Evans said Wednesday in Edmonton she'd be bringing up the idea of a blanket public smoking ban for Alberta in the legislature by April.
"No, she wasn't presumptuous," said Klein's communications director Marisa Etmanski, who was travelling with the premier yesterday.
Etmanski said Klein and Evans, "haven't had a chance to talk" since he left the province for Eastern Canada on Tuesday.
Evans said she will still put forward a plan to a Tory MLA policy committee to look at ways of reducing smoking among young people to protect their wellness.
"I will clearly pay attention to the fact that the premier does not want a provincewide blanket over everything so that people who are legionnaires or people who have their favourite space to smoke can still enjoy those privileges," she said.
"I will bring forward some things that talk about the workplace, for the caucus' information, and I hear the premier clearly on this."
Klein has repeatedly said his government will not force no-smoking laws on businesses that can make their own decisions.
Les Hagen of Action on Smoking and Health described Klein's comments as "terrible news.
"I'm disappointed," he said.
Meanwhile, a Calgary alderman who's been pushing for a similar ban in this city said she's sure Evans will have no trouble gaining support for her plans.
"I know that the minister is very persuasive (and) she has a very strong voice on cabinet -- cabinet is more than one vote," said Ward 13 Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart. "I have a lot of confidence in her ability ... you always know where you stand with Iris Evans."
-- with files from Bill Laye
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/CalgarySun/News/2005/01/15/899353-sun.html
January the worst time to start smoking ban -SK
The Leader-Post January 15, 2005
I am writing with a question for the Saskatchewan government: does it know one end of profitable business management from another?
The decision to make all public places, including bars and restaurants, smoke- free on Jan. 1, was totally flawed in its timing. January and February are traditionally the coldest months of the year, which in turn are the lowest months for revenue for small restaurant owners in Saskatchewan due to the inclement weather. People who would ordinarily enjoy a stroll for coffee or for lunch are naturally more inclined to remain at work. This keeps their pennies in their pockets while reducing income for the local coffee shops. It's understandable, but the loss is recoverable later on in the year through increased traffic when the weather becomes nicer.
The anti-smoking law could NOT have come at a worse time. Not only is my income reduced as expected due to the cold weather, but it is also further drastically reduced due to the new law. If my customers can't smoke at the restaurant, why should they brave the cold? My estimated losses for January are $2,800. This is roughly equivalent to my gross income. Considering I have bills to pay at home and a family to support, what does the government suggest I do? Work for free? Get another job on top of the 12-hour days I now work just to keep the restaurant in business? Would government members work 20-hour days?
Would it not have been a better plan to bring this into law during the summer months when people could still smoke outside on decks and patios and get accustomed to a non-smoking environment slowly? Other provinces did it.
I agree that smoking is bad for everyone's health and I will never argue that the cost to my business due to burns in the carpet and inconsiderate smokers butting out on anything handy is not substantial. However, this anti-smoking law was brought into effect at the worst time of the year.
I may not be able to recover from this loss. Further, I am not alone in this.
Other restaurant owners with whom I have discussed this issue are feeling unseasonably high losses as well and are also considering the feasibility of remaining in business. To open my restaurant five years ago, I invested approximately $30,000 of my own money and went into a debt from which I am still trying to recover -- and there was no offer of assistance to me to open up a business, unlike the offers and tax breaks given to large chain stores to bring their big-box stores to this area. Consider that if 100 restaurants in Saskatchewan go out of business, and if each of those businesses employs at least five people, you will not only have 500 former employees of those businesses either swelling the welfare rolls or collecting Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, you will also have an additional 100 former business owners looking for employment who do NOT qualify for EI. If we can't find jobs, what do you suggest we do . . . leave the province? All of this because government members can't think further than the end of their collective noses. Will that look good come next election?
This leads me to wonder . . . has any one in the government ever run a restaurant, or been self-employed to the point where government decisions could make or break them in one fell swoop? Have any of them learned how NOT to immediately give in to the demands of whatever group is pressuring them at any given moment?
I didn't think so.
Paul Perreault
Perreault is owner of Pavlo's Eatery
Regina
http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/news/letters/story.html?id=be30a18e-376d-44f8-ba72-81860bcce710
Carry on smoking!
JERRY WARD, LEGISLATURE BUREAU Sat, January 15, 2005
Premier Ralph Klein yesterday snuffed out a plan by his health minister to start discussions on invoking a complete public smoking ban in Alberta. That left advocates "mystified" and "disappointed."
After a speech in Montreal, Klein, a longtime smoker, said his government is not looking to implement a blanket ban on butts in public places, instead leaving that decision up to individual municipalities.
"Smoking is still legal in Canada," Klein told a news conference after giving a speech to the Montreal board of trade.
"I've never called for a smoking ban and never will. But I think if you smoke, you're stupid."
That comment came despite the fact that Klein himself has tried frequently - and unsuccessfully - to kick the habit.
"I think the focus is going to be better spent on trying to get kids not to start, that kind of thing," said Klein's communications director Marisa Etmanski, who was travelling with the premier yesterday.
"You know, it's not an illegal thing, right? And some municipalities feel differently than others about it."
Etmanski said the premier and Health Minister Iris Evans, "haven't had a chance to talk" since he left the province for Eastern Canada on Tuesday.
"No, she wasn't presumptuous," Etmanski said.
Evans said she will still put forward a plan to a Tory MLA policy committee to look at ways of reducing smoking among young people to protect their wellness.
"I will clearly pay attention to the fact that the premier does not want a provincewide blanket over everything so that people who are legionnaires or people who have their favourite space to smoke can still enjoy those privileges," she said.
"I will bring forward some things that talk about the workplace, for the caucus's information, and I hear the premier clearly on this."
Klein has repeatedly said his government will not force no-smoking laws on businesses that can make their own decisions.
In March 2002, Klein said he wasn't about to order "old timers" in places like Crossfield's Oliver hotel to butt out.
"What are you going to do? Have a whole bunch of smoke cops saying, 'C'mon old-timer, put that cigarette out?'"
Les Hagen of Action on Smoking and Health described Klein's comments as "terrible news.
"I'm disappointed. They were on to a good thing," he said.
Dan MacLennan, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, said the issue is about health, not right-wing or left-wing ideology. "Cancer is an equal opportunity killer so let's reduce its opportunity," he said. "I'm hopeful he'll change his mind."
D'Arcy Lanovaz, president of CUPE Alberta, said Klein is going against the grain. "I think it's a regressive move on the premier's behalf," he said.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2005/01/15/899454-sun.html
Reserve smoking ban creates conflict -SK
Tim Cook January 14, 2005
REGINA (CP) - The federal Indian Affairs minister acknowledged he's in a dilemma when it comes to dealing with smoking bylaws enacted by First Nations that attempt to do an end run around provincial rules.
Speaking in Regina on Thursday, Andy Scott said there are two conflicting issues at play - health and aboriginal self-government. "We would wish that communities have more authority over decisions," Scott said. "At the same time I believe strongly that we should do what we can to mitigate the health risks associated with smoking."
Scott made the comments when he was asked about the problems Saskatchewan is having with its tough new anti-smoking law.
Effective Jan. 1, smokers have had to butt out in all public buildings in the province or face fines. The law was meant to apply across the board, both on reserve and off.
But under the Indian Act, if a band were to pass a bylaw that conflicts with the provincial law, the band bylaw would prevail. For a bylaw to come into force, however, it must be first forwarded to the federal minister, who has 40 days to object.
Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan government came forward asking Scott to quash any bylaws that are weaker than the provincial anti-smoking legislation.
Scott said that he wants to consult with all of the stakeholders as well as his cabinet colleagues before he makes a decision.
But that will have to be done quickly.
The White Bear First Nation in the southeast corner of the province submitted a bylaw for approval on Dec. 9. It would allow smoking in bingo halls and casinos.
That means Scott's decision will have to come within a week.
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-chief Morley Watson said it should be up to native people to decide what is best for their health.
He said there are some bands in the province that came forward with anti-smoking bylaws before the province's rule came into effect.
"We're fully aware of making the best decision in our own lives," Watson said. "We cannot continue to have governements come along with very paternalistic attitudes that they have shown all along."
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Affairs Minister Maynard Sonntag got a chance to press the province's case with Scott on Thursday afternoon.
After the meeting, Sonntag told reporters that the Saskatchewan government respects First Nation self-governance, however, the province feels strongly about the health issues related to smoking.
"I don't think we are forcing anything on the federal minister at all," Sonntag said. "We are stating to him what we think is just a critically important health issue and want him to be aware of that."
Two other provinces, New Brunswick and Manitoba, have public smoking bans similar to the one in Saskatchewan. Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland all have laws on the way and just this week Alberta's health minister mused publicly about getting on board.
New Brunswick is in the same situation as Saskatchewan in that politicians there have asked First Nations to respect the new rules, but can do little should a bylaw be passed
Manitoba avoided the issue by making reserves exempt from its smoking ban. The exemption has created controversy, however, with non-reserve business owners claiming it's a two-tier system.
http://www.canada.com/national/story.html?id=2d8246af-c276-422d-a9da-f5a4b562da9b
Poll 'shows smoke ban opposition' -UK
Two thirds of Scots believe that pubs and clubs should be able to accommodate smokers, according to a survey for the smoking lobby group Forest.
The poll found that a majority of Scots supported new smoking legislation.
Forest said when people were quizzed in more detail they were opposed to "sweeping proposals that would leave smokers nowhere to smoke in public".
But ministers said they had public backing for an outright ban which would reap "huge rewards" for health.
The Scottish Executive proposals to outlaw smoking in enclosed public places would bring in fines for pub licensees and persistent smokers who flout the law from spring 2006.
Ministers described the bill as "the most important piece of public health legislation in a generation".
However, Scottish Forest spokesman Neil Rafferty said people did not support the executive's proposed approach.
"Our research shows that the Scottish public overwhelmingly believes that people should be allowed to smoke in some public places," he said.
"Scots support a reasonable, rational, middle way, and when questioned in more detail are opposed to the sweeping proposals that would leave smokers nowhere to smoke in public, not even in a separate, well ventilated smoking area within pubs, bars or members' clubs."
The poll was conducted by Populus, which interviewed 1,000 people earlier this month.
Of those questioned, 59% said they supported new legislation on smoking.
When they were offered choices other than a blanket ban, 66% said that pubs, bars and clubs should be able to accommodate smokers.
Two-thirds of those surveyed said they thought it should be up to licensees rather than politicians to determine their own smoking policy.
More than 75% of those questioned said that people have the right to smoke in public as long as they do not inconvenience non-smokers.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said opinion polls had offered a mixed feedback on smoking.
"But we are not running government by opinion poll," he said.
"We have taken a decision that will reap huge rewards for the health of this and future generations.
"What we are doing is right for the people of Scotland - and we have their backing, as shown by the overwhelming response to our public consultation."
Populus, which conducted the survey, said it interviewed a sample of 1,000 people across Scotland from 6 to 8 January.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4169797.stm
Most say drinkers should be able to smoke UK
TWO thirds of Scots believe pubs and clubs should be able to accommodate smokers in separate areas when a smoking ban is introduced next spring, according to a survey published today.
More than half of those interviewed for a poll commissioned by smokers’ lobby group Forest backed the Executive’s ban on lighting up in enclosed public areas, but favoured options other than the planned blanket ban.
The findings were released as a pub smoking seminar was due to be held at Edinburgh’s Holyrood Hotel.
According to the poll, more than 75 per cent of Scots believe smokers have the right to smoke in public providing they do not inconvenience non-smokers. It also found two thirds of interviewees believe the decision to implement a ban should be up to pub owners rather than politicians.
Neil Rafferty, Scottish Forest spokesman, said the results were significant. He added: "The Scottish Executive must listen to what the public is telling them.
"Our research shows that the Scottish public overwhelmingly believes that people should be allowed to smoke in some public places."
Health minister Andy Kerr said: "We are not running Government by opinion poll. We have taken a decision that will reap huge rewards for the health of this and future generations."
http://news.scotsman.com/health.cfm?id=44752005
Vice Mayor Announces Steps Toward City Smoking Ban -OH
Reece To Launch Stop By Campaign
January 12, 2005
CINCINNATI -- Many Ohio cities have adopted smoking bans and there is speculation that Cincinnati could be next.
Vice Mayor Alicia Reece announced Wednesday the next steps toward a potential smoking ban.
Discuss: Cincinnati Smoking Ban?
First, Reece said she will launch a stop by campaign where she will make visits to restaurants, bars, bingo halls, bowling alleys and other establishments to talk with owners and citizens about the issue.
Then Reece will meet with advocating and opposing groups and organizations. A citizen survey will also be launched.
Reece, in conjunction with the late Dr. Malcolm Adcock, launched the smoking advisory group last fall to study the issue of a potential smoking ban.
http://www.channelcincinnati.com/news/4076590/detail.html
Bid to Give Welsh Assembly Smoking Ban Powers -uk
By Tomos Livingstone, PA Welsh Affairs Correspondent
An attempt to give the Welsh Assembly the power to introduce its own ban on smoking in public places will be launched today.
Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan will formally launch a Private Member’s Bill that would transfer the relevant powers to the Assembly – where her husband, Rhodri Morgan, is First Minister.
A White Paper unveiled by Westminster Health Secretary John Reid last November proposed a similar move, but Ms Morgan’s bill would transfer the powers immediately.
The White Paper proposed a ban on smoking in England’s restaurants and offices, and a restriction in pubs, by 2008. Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell has promised to introduce a “comprehensive” ban by Spring 2006, while Ireland introduced a ban in March 2004.
Ms Morgan is due to be joined at the Westminster launch of her bill by members of the British Medical Association and representatives from anti-smoking charity Ash.
She said: “The purpose of the bill is to give powers to the Assembly to restrict smoking in whatever way it wishes. Without this bill the Assembly would be dependent on public health legislation from Westminster. This bill would enable Wales to do what it wants.”
She denied Dr Reid’s announcement had made her bill redundant.
“The White Paper would give the power to Wales, but that is dependent on if and when legislation is introduced, whereas it can be done quickly with a private members’ bill,” she said.
The public now had the appetite for a ban on smoking public places, she said.
“The tide has turned fairly recently. I wouldn’t have anticipated we would be in this situation two or three years ago.”
A similar private bill, which fell, was introduced in the House of Lords by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff in 2003.
The Welsh Assembly has already overwhelmingly backed the idea of a smoking ban in a free vote. An Assembly committee is currently investigating policy options, and is due to report in May.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3990033
Blair 'in the clear' over holiday -UK
A watchdog has concluded Tony Blair did nothing wrong by failing to declare a holiday with a tobacco industry figure, Downing Street has said.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Sir Philip Mawer, investigated the prime minister's stay at a French home of Alain Perrin.
A Tory MP, Chris Grayling, had complained the stay was not in the MPs' register of interests.
But the stay did not need to be declared, Downing Street said.
"Sir Philip Mawer, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, has dismissed a request from Chris Grayling MP that he should investigate whether or not the prime minister should have registered his stay with Alain Perrin in August 2002," the spokesman said.
"Sir Philip agreed with the prime minister's decision not to register the hospitality and said there was no merit in pursuing the issue further."
The Blairs stayed with Alain Perrin, then chairman of a company said to have a stake in British American Tobacco, in 2002.
The Sunday Telegraph newspaper said the family spent five days in Mr Perrin's 15th Century chateau in south-western France.
The Commons rules state that an MP is required to disclose any information of any "material benefit which ... might reasonably be thought by others to influence his or her actions, speeches or votes".
Mr Blair caused controversy three years ago when his family stayed in Sharm-el-Sheik at the Egyptian taxpayers' expense.
Since then he has paid for two further visits.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4176381.stm
Doctors and Charities Join Forces over Smoking Ban
By Tomos Livingstone, PA Welsh Affairs Correspondent
Doctors’ leaders and health charities joined forces today to back a bid to allow the Welsh Assembly to introduce its own ban on smoking in public places.
Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan today formally launched a Private Member’s Bill that would transfer the relevant powers to the Assembly – where her husband, Rhodri Morgan, is First Minister.
A White Paper unveiled by Westminster Health Secretary John Reid last November proposed a similar move by 2008, but Ms Morgan’s bill would transfer the powers immediately.
The British Heart Foundation said Ms Morgan’s bill would be the “quickest route towards protecting the health of the Welsh public“, while the BMA said waiting until 2008 for a ban would mean more deaths from smoking-related illnesses.
The White Paper proposed a ban on smoking in England’s restaurants and offices, and a restriction in pubs, by 2008, and giving Wales the option to follow suit.
In a free vote last year the Welsh Assembly voted in favour of a complete ban, but cannot introduce one without a change in the law at Westminster.
Dr Tony Calland, chairman of the BMA’s Welsh council, said: “We feel that the Westminster government, when it published the Public Health White Paper, missed a huge opportunity because they haven’t gone for a complete ban in enclosed public spaces.
“All this absurd nonsense about whether places serve food and so forth – the reality is that passive smoking is a huge issue.”
Dr Calland added: “I’m pleased there is a momentum behind a ban, unfortunately the momentum is everywhere but Westminster. John Reid is talking about a ban three years away; you can have an awful lot of people die of smoke-related disease in those three years.”
Peter Hollins, director general of the British Heart Foundation, said: “We are delighted to support Julie Morgan’s Private Member’s Bill. There is widespread support for this action from the medical community and the public based on strong evidence of the dangers of passive smoking.
“We believe it will provide the quickest route towards protecting the health of the Welsh public, and in particular those pub workers who will be regularly left to breathe damaging smoke under the UK Government’s Public Health White Paper proposals.”
The bill has also been backed by anti-smoking charity Ash and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Labour MP Ms Morgan said: “The purpose of the bill is to give powers to the Assembly to restrict smoking in whatever way it wishes. Without this bill the Assembly would be dependent on public health legislation from Westminster. This bill would enable Wales to do what it wants.
“The White Paper would give the power to Wales, but that is dependent on if and when legislation is introduced, whereas it can be done quickly with a private member’s bill.”
A similar private bill, which fell, was introduced in the House of Lords by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff in 2003. With a General Election expected in the spring, Ms Morgan’s bill stands little chance of becoming law.
Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell has promised to introduce a “comprehensive” ban by spring 2006, while Ireland introduced a ban in March 2004.
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3991475
Parents told to butt out- AU
By MARY PAPADAKIS
January 16, 2005
ANTI-smoking campaigners want Victorian drivers to butt out.
Health groups are calling for a ban on smoking in cars for medical and road safety reasons.
The Asthma Foundation of Victoria has launched an appeal asking parents to stop lighting up when in their car with children.
The foundation will send letters to Victorians written from the perspective of a child sitting in the back of a smoke-filled car.
"I'm asking you not to smoke. You may not think it is affecting me, but it does," it reads.
"Tobacco smoke and poisonous chemicals enter my lungs, and boy, do I hate it."
Almost two out of three smoking parents in Victoria light up in their cars when their children are present.
Passive smoking puts a child at risk from asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, cot death and middle ear disease and it also has an adverse impact on learning and awareness development.
The foundation's chief executive, Robin Ould, said: "Smoking is a major trigger for people with asthma.
"It also inhibits the development of lungs in young children."
Mr Ould said the letter would be sent to people who purchase Dunlop Foams booster seats and cushions from KMart and Big W stores across Australia.
The Australian Medical Association and Action on Smoking and Health have called for smoking bans, which will affect pubs, clubs and other licensed premises in Victoria from July 2007, to be extended to the family car.
AMA Victoria president Dr Sam Lees said people who smoked in cars were ignoring a child's right to a healthy environment.
"The concentration of cigarette smoke in cars, I'm sure, is higher than that in a bar," he said.
"To be depositing carcinogens in young lungs is not appropriate from a health perspective and an ethical and moral perspective."
ASH chief executive Anne Jones said: "We believe it's time for governments to extend smoke bans to all forms of transport."
She said smoking while driving was as distracting as talking on a mobile phone and a danger.
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11948249%255E2862,00.html
Steelermania runs rampant -pa
By Paul Paterra TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, January 15, 2005
Stacy Clemmer could be attending today's Steelers playoff game against the New York Jets with her brother.
However, she will not be joining him.
Clemmer is the director of conferencing at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, which has its annual La Cultura planned tonight. La Cultura is the primary fund-raiser for the school's travel fund, and Clemmer is on the prize and sponsorship committee.
"I was a little disappointed at first, but I knew that this was for a good cause," Clemmer said. "I'll probably be making sure I'm getting score updates."
Yes, Steelermania has taken hold of western Pennsylvania. That's what happens when you're 15-1.
The condition seems to have affected attendance for La Cultura. Karen Gavula, UPG's secretary of university relations and institutional advancement, said 175 people are expected, down from last year's capacity crowd of 240.
"We think it has had an effect," Gavula said. "We don't know positively. They haven't actually called and said they are going to the game." She did say scoring updates will be provided by students carrying placards during the cocktail hour only from 6-7 p.m.
Greensburg YMCA has begun raising money for this year's Strong Kids Campaign for disadvantaged youths, day camps and child care.
Executive Director Rick Nedley said Patti Peters, administrative assistant, suggested riding this Steelers wave and raising money for Strong Kids at the same time.
If any of the YMCA's 225 employees wear Steelers garb on Fridays while the Black and Gold stays alive in the playoffs, they donate $1.
"We could raise about $600," Nedley said. "It's kind of a fun way to get psyched up for the Steelers and raise money for Strong Kids."
That psyched-up feeling seems to be hitting schools as well.
Friday was Steelers Day at Dr. Robert F. Nicely Elementary School, in Greensburg. The lunch menu was loaded with Steelers fare, such as "Roethlisburgers," hotdogs with "Cowher" kraut, Randle El barbecued rib sandwiches, Bettis baked beans, fries with "Hines Ward" ketchup, Polamalu pineapple, black and yellow Jell-O and a black-and-gold Steelers cake.
Students, teachers and staff alike wore the black and gold.
"It's just a lot of fun," said Principal Dr. Luanne Matta. "It was really neat to see them coming off the bus. It gets the kids excited and makes them part of something happening in the area. "
Speaking of menus, restaurants too are capitalizing on the team's season. Several have sandwiches named for rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, such as the Big Ben wrap at Mr. Bones in Greensburg.
Then there's the "Steeler Burger" at This and That Coffee bar in Punxsutawney. The creation by co-owners Patricia Stewart and David Miller contains beef, hot sausage, grilled onions, mushrooms, American cheese and honey mustard and is available Mondays and Fridays.
An ounce of beef is added with each consecutive victory, bringing the current total to 14 ounces. "David and I were watching the game when they won their sixth straight," Stewart said. "We got all excited and said, 'Let's add an ounce every time they win.' We never make it until the day we need it. I don't want to jinx it."
Steelers paraphernalia is sprouting up everywhere.
But it's always present in the yard of Regis Klimchok, of Youngwood, which has held a Steelers sign for some 20 years. Among the current messages: "This is the Year."
"We never take it down," Klimchok said. "We leave it up because we believe in the Steelers."
Jerseys, hats, pennants and, of course, the Terrible Towel, are available at several outdoor stands.
Joe Sprinko traveled to Steelers Country from Florida to "sell T-shirts" and other items. He's been doing just that for a few weeks in the parking lot of the Sheetz convenience store along Route 22 in Murrysville.
"Everybody's on pins and needles. They're waiting for the Steelers to start winning (playoff games)," Sprinko said. "We'll be here as long as the boys keep winning. It's up to the Steelers how long we stay."
Leo Hammer, of Big Top Sports.com, has set up shop in the parking lot of Choice Cigarette Discount Outlet on Route 22 in Murrysville for five weeks. "It was huge before Christmas," Hammer said. "With the playoff games coming, they're into it big time."
They seem to be, indeed, which experts feel is a great thing.
Dr. Audrey Guskey, professor of marketing and consumer trends expert at Duquesne University, said the timing is perfect because bad news has been prevalent in a city where retailers have been closing and population has dwindled.
"I think it has a huge impact," Guskey said. "It boosts everybody in the city. Post-holiday is a real downer for everybody. This comes at a wonderful time to give people something to look forward to and follow carefully. It's putting Pittsburgh in the winner's bracket across the country. It's just phenomenal. It's great for the city economically and psychologically.
Paul Paterra can be reached at ppaterra@tribweb.com or (724) 836-6220.
http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/regional/s_293511.html
Justices' conflicts called immaterial
The Associated Press Jan 15, 2005
RALEIGH, N.C. -- A group overseeing payments from a 1999 tobacco settlement said yesterday it has no objection to the state Supreme Court hearing a dispute over whether major cigarette-makers must pay $424 million to leaf farmers in 14 states, including Virginia.
The 1999 agreement gave North Carolina jurisdiction in the case for all states involved.
Five of the seven justices, including Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake Jr., said this week that they had potential conflicts of interest in the case, including stock ownership in tobacco-related companies and interests in tobacco farming.
A statement from lawyers for the North Carolina Phase II Tobacco Certification Entity called the potential conflicts "immaterial and insubstantial," and said the group felt the justices were qualified to hear the case.
Among the justices with Virginia connections, Lake and his wife own 2,000 shares of stock in Altria Group Inc., the parent of industry leader Philip Morris USA, which has its headquarters in Richmond. Justice Robert Edmunds and his sister own tobacco allotment on a family farm in Halifax County, for which they receive a yearly income of about $1,600.
A state Business Court judge ruled last month that cigarette companies didn't have to make a final, $189 million payment to growers because the 1999 settlement was superseded by Congress' October approval of a $10.1 billion tobacco buyout. He also ruled that the companies were due a refund of payments they made to farmers in 2004.
Agencies that oversee the Phase II payments in all 14 states asked the state Supreme Court last week to hear an expedited appeal that would bypass the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031780264309
Philip Morris, Lorillard raise U.S. prices, cut promotions -
NEW YORK Two cigarette makers are raising some prices. Analysts say it is the latest indication that conditions have stabilized in the U-S market.
Lorillard and Richmond-based Philip Morris are raising wholesale prices on a number of smaller brands, including Chesterfield and Kent, by one-dollar a carton.
The changes do NOT affect Marlboro, the leading U-S cigarette brand. Analysts say the brands going up in price reflect only a small percentage of business for both companies.
Both companies are also cutting back on some promotional discounts.
http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=2812845
Pence pushes tax reform -KY
By MELINDA J. OVERSTREET
The parking lot overflowed at the State Theater Friday morning as people flocked to hear Lt. Gov. Steve Pence discuss Gov. Ernie Fletcher's tax modern-ization plan, also known as JOBS for Kentucky. The presen-tation was one of 13 scheduled to be held across the state.
Pence said there were twice as many in attendance at Elizabethtown as showed up in Louisville to hear about the program that he said focuses on economic development.
"What Governor Fletcher has done with this tax modernization program is find a way for us all to move Kentucky forward," Pence said.
Compared with the current tax code, which was written in the 1950s, Fletcher's plan is reliable, fair and friendly to businesses, Pence said.
"If corporations are not willing to locate here, we're not going to have good jobs," he said. "The majority of businesses are small companies that want to move here," and when they look at the bottom line, they look at the tax structure to see how it's set up.
The best and brightest young people are leaving the state to find more and better jobs, he said.
"That's the primary purpose of this — to bring better jobs to Kentucky."
The state is the 10th friendliest for manufacturing jobs, but it's in the bottom 10 for knowledge-based jobs, and that's the direction the economy is taking, Pence said, making his point by holding up his cellular phone and asking how many in the audience of about 140 had one.
"We have got to do a better job of preparing for the knowledge-based economy," Pence said, drawing an analogy of how jobs and education run on parallel but interdependent tracks.
"You do not get the money for education by taxing more," he said.
You get it by bringing more money into the state, he said.
The plan Fletcher is proposing lowers the tax rate for most companies by broadening the base of those taxed and redefining which and how businesses are taxed in a manner that is more fair, the lieutenant governor said.
For example, some cable television is taxed, while satellite is not.
About 300,000 low-income Kentuckians would be taken off the individual tax rolls, and 98 percent, or 1.25 million people, would have a tax reduction, he said.
Most people don't want to have to think about what the government is doing in Frankfort, Pence said. With no budget approved last year before the legislative session ended, and a judicial mandate to pass one or cut back to essential services by the end of June, everyone needs to take note, he said.
"This time it is important that our legislators deliver tax modernization, which has been talked about but never acted on," he said, and there has to be a budget.
If Fletcher's plan is approved, "it will send the right message to companies," and 7,000 jobs would be created in the first year of implementation, Pence said.
Rep. Mike Weaver, D-Radcliff, said the tax modernization plan would have to be in the hands of the House of Representatives' leadership as soon as it reconvenes at the first of February in order for there to be enough time for it to be dealt with during the 30-day session. The leadership of both chambers, with help from the Legislative Research Commission, should work on it at the same time, he said.
"I think we have an opportunity here to do something," Weaver said. There are three ways to do it: pass a budget; pass a budget and tax modernization together; or pass the two things separately. He's willing to work with any of the three approaches, he said. "It's going to take a lot of negotiations and a lot of thought to make it happen."
Part of the budget standstill in the 2004 General Assembly came from disagreement over whether tax modernization should be attached to the budget bill.
At least 15 attendees were employees of Hardec's Wholesale, which, among other things, distributes tobacco products. An increase in the commonwealth's cigarette tax is going to be a key component in the tax plan, Pence had said.
Hardec's president, Charlie Casper, questioned the plan after Pence's presentation, stating that the low cigarette tax rate (3 cents per pack) that Kentucky has now gives it a competitive edge. Many people come from neighboring states to buy cigarettes and spend money on other things while they're here, he said, predicting a $60 million loss of revenue and job losses as well.
Further, he said, the 40 cents a pack rate he's heard mentioned as a possibility would be a 1,300 percent increase that is not fair and puts more of a burden on people who can afford it the least.
"We couldn't agree with you more about Kentucky needing jobs and tax modernization," Casper said. But he asked what other types of tax changes the state has investigated.
Pence countered that although the 40-cent figure is one that has been "out there," he doesn't know that it is the one that will be final.
"One of our biggest expenses is Medicaid costs, and much of that is related to people who smoke," and smoking's associated health risks, the lieutenant governor said.
A higher cigarette tax would place more responsibility on smokers to help offset that cost, but that is "only one component of a multifaceted tax plan," Pence said.
Other questions from the audience centered around Medicaid costs and fraud, concern about whether the equine industry is being treated fairly, and whether tax incentives to encourage companies to revitalize older buildings would be part of the tax modernization plan.
After the forum, Pence said that, overall, the plan had received "a very favorable response" from the public.
"I think all voters believe we need this, but they're skeptical because of the last session," he said, adding that many of them had made their dissatisfaction with the lack of a budget known to their representatives and senators.
"I think most of the legislators got the message."
Melinda J. Overstreet can be reached at 769-1200, Ext. 240, or at moverstreet@thenewsenterprise.com
http://www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2005/01/16/news/news2.txt
In Illinois, cigarette tax hike hasn’t hurt sales
By Kate Thayer Of the Post-Dispatch 01/15/2005
For most Illinois cigarette smokers, it seems that convenience trumps frugality.
Two years after Illinois increased its cigarette taxes to 98 cents, up from 58 cents, Metro East retailers report that cigarette sales are strong as ever - even though smokers can save $1 or more a pack by crossing to Missouri, where the tax is 17 cents. (The spread is slightly smaller in St. Louis County, which has an additional 22-cent tax.)
Illinois officials, who raised the tax to offset budget shortfalls, say new revenue is finally approaching levels they had hoped for. Steady sales boosted revenue by $86.1 million last year in Illinois.
Revenue from the tax initially fell short of expectations. State officials attributed weak early returns to a combination of smokers crossing state lines to save money, and vendors who had stocked up on millions of excise stamps at pre-hike rates.
Kim Schultz, assistant manager at BAC Moto Mart in Belleville, said customers notice the price increase but don't seem to be crossing into Missouri to buy their cigarettes.
"(Customers) talk about getting their cigarettes in another state, but I don't think they do," Schultz said. "Our sales haven't decreased."
She said it appears that customers are more likely to respond to price hikes by switching to cheaper brands.
Time mattered more than money for smokers who bought Marlboros last week at the Club Centre Moto Mart in Edwardsville.
"I don't have time to go to Missouri to save on cigarettes," said John Leitschuh, 26, a landscaper from Edwardsville. He had paid $4.21 for a pack of Marlboro Reds.
Leitschuh said he has smoked a pack a day for 10 years. "If I don't have them, I stop where I am and get them," he said.
Joe Hicks, 26, a construction worker from Granite City, ducked in to the convenience shop on his lunch break and bought a pack of cigarettes to go with a deli sandwich.
"If I'm closer to Missouri, I might go over and get a pack, but not usually," said Hicks, who has smoked for nine years.
Store manager Jim Warnecke said he also sees customers continue with their smoking habit, despite higher taxes.
"There are some who go across the border to buy (cigarettes), but for the most part, people say they're going to quit or cut back, but that may only last for about one to two weeks."
Raking in revenue
Mike Klemens, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Revenue, said since the 40-cent increase, sales have generated a total of about $215 million in additional revenue since 2002.
Revenue officials first estimated that the tax increase would bring in about $230 million in additional revenue in the first year, but those figures fell short because retailers stockpiled packs with the old 58-cent tax before the new rate started, Klemens said.
In the fiscal year ended in June 2003, the first year with the higher cigarette tax, the state collected $643.1 million from the tax. That was a $178.6 million increase over 2002. A fiscal year runs from July through June.
Although the first year's revenue from the tax fell short of expectations, Klemens said last fiscal year - ended in June 2004 - made up most of the difference.
"People stocked up at a lower price, so that pushed off receipts to (the 2004 fiscal year)," Klemens said.
In 2004, the state collected an additional $86.1 million, bringing the total new revenue from the tax to $264.7 million.
However, about $50 million of that was advance payment for cigarette tax stamps for the coming year, bringing total take of the new tax to about $215 million.
If figures remain steady, the tax will continue to bring in about $700 million each year, as opposed to less than $500 million before the tax increase.
Kicking costly habit
Kathy Drea, public policy director for the American Lung Association, said cigarette tax increases often prompt smokers to kick their habit for good. She also said the higher the cost for cigarettes, the less likely teens will start smoking.
When there is a tax increase, the volume of calls to the Lung Association's Illinois Tobacco Quitline also increases, she said. Drea added that even though revenue is pouring in for the state, it does not mean people aren't quitting.
"People want to quit," she said. "(The tax increase) makes them think about it twice."
Diane Moore of Brighton said she considered quitting after the tax increase but opted instead to cross the Clark Bridge to St. Charles County to stock up on cartons of Doral. She pays $21.46 a carton at the Fisca gas and convenience store in West Alton. Dorals average about $27 a carton in Illinois.
"I save on gas here, too, so it's well worth it," Moore said. A gallon of regular gasoline at Fisca was $1.76 on Friday, about 14 cents cheaper than in Illinois.
Fisca manager Randall Brown said the tax increase in Illinois "was the best thing ever for our business."
"I wish they'd raise it again," Brown said. "Our business is up 30 to 40 percent since the tax hike."
A Peoria smoker, John Quinlan, 49, was installing a new ATM at Fisca on Friday morning.
His work brings him to Missouri twice a month.
"I resent that Illinois is balancing the budget on smokers' backs," said Quinlan, who favors Marlboros. "I refuse to buy (cigarettes) in Illinois. And I think anybody who does is a fool."
Paul Hampel of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Reporter Kate Thayer
Phone: 217-782-4912
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/metroeast/story/991B40CB92D5887786256F8A00376C72?OpenDocument&Headline=In
+Illinois,+cigarette+tax+hike+hasn%E2%80%99t+hurt+sales
buyers to cough up tax -NY
By Reuters January 14, 2005,
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Friday that smokers who bought cigarettes over the Internet had better be prepared to cough up taxes they tried to avoid by going online.
"The law says you got to pay your taxes. The handful of people who don't are just stealing from the rest of us," Bloomberg said in a weekly radio address.
The city's finance department this week sent letters to 3,700 smokers asking them to fork over $1.3 million in city taxes from Internet tobacco purchases.
The annual loss to the city from online tobacco sales totals $40 million, according to Joanna Perlman, a finance department spokeswoman. Some individuals owed as much as $10,000.
"If you have a bill for $10,000 for cigarette taxes, you're a dealer, you're not just smoking," Bloomberg said.
"The finance commissioner is required by the city charter to enforce the law. It's against the law to buy something out of state and bring it in and avoid sales tax," he said.
http://news.com.com/N.Y.+asks+online+cigarette+buyers+to+cough+up+tax/2100-1030_3-5537213.html
Governor Mike Easley takes the oath of office Saturday -NC
By: Tim Boyum & Web Staff 1/14/2005
Saturday morning Governor Mike Easley takes the oath of office for his second term.
Easley beat Patrick Ballentine convincingly in the November election. He also enjoys a General Assembly controlled by fellow Democrats.
Four years ago Mike Easley walked into office facing a major budget crunch. This time he faces another shortage, close to $1 billion.
“I think the major thing he's going to do in his second term is continue to do what he did with the Dell deal which is bringing new business to North Carolina,” David McLennan, Peace College political expert, said.
Beyond business, Easley made early education his priority in his first term. Political experts believe he'll focus on high schools in his second term.
“I heard a legislator the other day say’ that's all I ever hear from him education, education, education,’” Ferrell Guillory, UNC political expert said. “The legislator was grumbling because he wanted to Posted at 10:34 am by looped_ca
Saturday, January 15, 2005
A call to defenders of medicare
BOB HEPBURN Jan. 15, 2005. 01:00 AM
Once again, Canada's medicare is under assault — and unless its backers rally to its defence one more time, the publicly funded, not-for-profit system faces a real risk of collapse.
Leading the charge this time is Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, who this week was promoting a "third way" of delivering health care that is somewhere between the current Canadian system and the private health-care system in the United States.
Klein will hold an international symposium this spring looking at health- care systems around the world, including France, Switzerland, Australia and others, but excluding the U.S. He wants to find what works, and why.
Klein insists he wants to retain our public medicare system, but also favours looking at "innovative" approaches to deliver health care. He talks of "publicly funded health procedures privately delivered."
Clearly, Klein is a stalking horse for those who want a private, for-profit health system in Canada. Such people argue — seductively at times — that if you have enough money, why can't you buy health care?
You can spend your own money on the car of your choice, the clothes of your choice, the dentist of your choice, they say. So why can't you spend it on health care, to buy a private MRI when you need one, to buy a hip replacement or get cancer treatment?
Backers of medicare have heard similar arguments for years — and have argued forcefully against them.
But Canadians, who still overwhelmingly support medicare, are becoming fatigued. And they are finding it harder to defend the system when they saw billions of extra dollars poured into it over the last decade without seeing any discernible improvements.
Also, seemingly every week, there are fresh horror stories about children with cancer forced to wait months for diagnosis or treatment, of elderly patients driving to Buffalo for specialized care, of overcrowded emergency rooms that turn away ambulances.
Despite fatigue, though, medicare defenders must not give up the fight.
They cannot let pro-privatization forces seize control of this debate.
They must speak up for the system, acknowledge it is flawed, and propose ways of fixing it, such as reducing wait times, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and by increasing the number and availability of doctors.
And they must concede that, cut to its core, this debate is not just over a question of more money for medicare versus privatization, but about delivering services differently.
Both sides agree more money is needed. It's just that private sector backers would prefer to pay it directly out of their own pocket as they need it while medicare supporters want to pay for it through taxes so all can benefit.
Klein is right to say there is another option. What it is, though, is not a parallel private system as he wants. In fact, we don't need to go the private route at all to improve our health care, if corrective action is taken now on medicare.
The best way is to give a bit more money to medicare, enforce the Canada Health Act so provinces don't continue to encourage private operators to move more and more into the delivery of health care and, most importantly, to focus on quality and innovation.
Already, Canada is a world leader in such areas as dealing with heart attacks and other emergencies. But it is not doing as well delivering chronic care in an era of an aging population.
Health-care experts point to the need to find better ways to deliver chronic and palliative care, to better exchange medical information, to create more family practice teams, to allow greater use of nurses and nurse practitioners, thus giving doctors more time to deal with patients with serious illnesses.
The list of remedies is endless.
But unless the Canadian public becomes actively engaged in this debate, improvements will come too slowly to counter the tide of privatization that is sweeping across the land.
The public must press politicians and health officials to answer the tough questions about why hospitals and clinics have been slow to implement innovations that will help the system.
And just because they don't have all the facts or details about health issues, the public should not be intimidated by doctors, health industry officials and think-tank "experts" who act as if they have all the answers.
Canada didn't get medicare in the 1960s because politicians and doctors pushed for it. Rather, medicare is here because the people wanted it.
And if we are going to retain it, it will be because people still want it, want to improve it — and are willing to fight for it, once again.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&ci
d=1105743772332&call_pageid=968256290204&col=968350116795
Smoking ban sounds good to me: bartender -AB
KATE DUBINSKI, EDMONTON SUN
A couple of years ago, Justin Derush ended his bartending shifts tight-chested, a little wheezy and reeking of smoke. "There was constant smoke coming from all directions. It was like having an eight-hour cigarette," Derush, 32, said yesterday.
"You don't even realize until it's not there. Even the people who smoke (in the restaurant) noticed the difference."
Health Minister Iris Evans said she plans to table a provincewide smoking ban in public places by April, but similar efforts have been quashed in the past by Tory MLAs.
Derush said after an eight-hour bar shift, he would feel like he was coming down with a cold. Since a bylaw forced his employer to go smoke-free in July 2003, the relief is incredible, Derush said. And a sweeping ban on smoking in public places can only help.
For Amber Suchy, who fronts the band King Mustafa, singing in smoky bars is more than just annoying.
"It literally takes away my voice. I want to keep my voice healthy, but I have that smoker's cough even though I'm not a smoker," Suchy said.
"Even that cough can be rough on the vocal cords."
Suchy said she hasn't seen attendance decline in venues that have gone smoke-free.
Anti-smoking advocates yesterday applauded Evans's move, but aren't about to start holding their breath.
"We've seen it before. I can't tell if this batch (of MLAs) will pass it," said Doug Baker, the regional director for the Canadian Cancer Society, admitting that the minister's push could be just for show.
"Mr. Klein and the government he's led - it's always been consistently hands-off - and he knows about the ravages of smoking and about personal choice, personal decision," Baker said.
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have all passed provincewide bans. Ontario and Quebec are in the process of passing such legislation.
"It takes a longer time to have a lasting impact on Albertans' health because we have to go jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction" to lobby for smoking laws, Baker said.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2005/01/14/898213-sun.html
Smoking Ban Compliance -ON
Tb News Source
Web Posted: 1/14/2005 7:43:51 PM
It appears compliance with the City's no-smoking by-law has been strong. As of January 1st, city officials said they would stop handing out warnings to violators of the ban. But two weeks into the new year, there still have not been any fines issued.
Licensing and Enforcement manager Ron Bourret says so far, every local workplace has been complying voluntarily after being caught in violation of the smoking ban. The city hired a special smoking bylaw officer last summer to inspect local businesses, and provide information along with a warning.
Bourret says that officer will now be doing more undercover surveillance work over the next few months, and he expects some fines will be issued as a result. The charge for smoking in a public place or workplace ranges from 75 to 150 dollars, with a maximum fine of 5000 dollars.
http://www.tbsource.com/Localnews/index.asp?cid=72512
City to still-smoky bars: Butt out or else
CBC News Web Posted Jan 14 2005 07:24 AM MST
WHITEHORSE - Whitehorse's head of bylaw enforcement says bar owners flouting the no-smoking bylaw will pay the price.
John Taylor says the city has received complaints about a number of bars violating the smoking ban that took effect Jan. 1.
He says that's not fair to the bars that are doing their best to implement the bylaw – and he promises the city will step up its enforcement by laying charges as early as the end of the month.
"It's not going to go away," Taylor says. "The bylaw was passed by a duly elected council of the City of Whitehorse. The majority of the people wanted it, it's passed, so let's work together, let's see how we can implement it and make it the best we can."
Taylor says four bar operators have been spoken to about violating the bylaw, and follow-up letters were also sent.
He says if they keep flouting the law, the letters will be used in court to show that the operators were given an opportunity to comply with the law.
http://north.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/smoking-bylaw-01132005.html
Attention News Editors:
Quebec Tobacco-Free Week 2005 - The Canadian Cancer Society: more active than ever in protecting the rights of non-smokers and in the fight against tobacco
MONTREAL, Jan. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - During the Quebec Tobacco-Free Week (January 16 - 22), the Canadian Cancer Society calls on the importance of protecting the rights of non-smokers, given that secondary smoke is even more harmful than directly inhaled smoke and increases the risks of non-smokers to develop lung cancer by 20%.
Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers, killing close to 6,000 people in Quebec every year. Over 5,000 of these deaths are due to smoking and second-hand smoke. According to the 2004 Canadian Cancer Statistics, lung cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in Quebec, while prostate cancer continues to predominate in the rest of Canada. There has been an increase of 30% in lung cancer instances in women all across
Canada since 1988.
"The dangers of smoking and uncontrolled exposure to second-hand smoke are very much current issues, even though the percentage of smokers has decreased from 29% to 21% between 1994 and 2003. The Canadian Cancer Society applauds the public consultation project announced by Quebec's Health Minister to make Quebec smoke-free like other provinces in Canada", stated Nicole Magnan, Executive Director of the Quebec Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.
For many years, the Canadian Cancer Society has been leading a tireless fight against smoking and the dangers associated with smoking, at all levels of government, and by defending the Tobacco Act from its detractors.
- In response to the public consultation project announced by the Quebec government, the Society will post a memorandum to support the ban on smoking in public places in order to protect workers and the non-smoking population.
- In January 2005, the Canadian Cancer Society will participate in a pivotal court case before the Supreme Court of Canada to discuss the validity of Saskatchewan's anti-tobacco legislation.
- In December 2004, the Society supported the Tobacco Act before the Quebec Court of Appeal where three main Canadian tobacco manufacturers challenged the constitutional validity of the Act.
Besides advocating anti-tobacco legislature, the Society is leading theight against tobacco on all fronts by:
- Subsidizing innovative research projects: Dr. Jennifer O'Loughlin, a McGill University researcher, recently demonstrated that a simple variation in one gene may increase a teen's likelihood of nicotine dependence (the details of this and other studies, funded by theSociety, are available at www.cancer.ca );
- Assisting smokers in their efforts to quit: One Step at a Time, an individual smoking cessation program (for more information, contact your local Canadian Cancer Society office or call our Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333), and the j'Arrête smokers' helpline (1 888 853-6666 or www.jarrete.qc.ca ), a joint initiative of the Society and the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health funded by the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, provide information and support to people interested in quitting smoking;
- Informing the public about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke in a number of ways: the Cancer Information Service (1 888 939-3333), the Web site www.cancer.ca , various publications and the participation in events such as the Quebec Tobacco-Free Week and the Quit to Win! Challenge.
Canadian Cancer Society employees and volunteers, in collaboration with the public health network, are promoting the Quit to Win! Challenge and the Quebec Tobacco-Free Week events in the regions. Beginning in the third week of January, Society volunteers will hold information kiosks on these two events and the Society's smoking cessation services in various Jean Coutu pharmacies across Quebec.
For more information about smoking, second-hand smoke, cancer and our services, visit our Website at www.cancer.ca or call our Cancer Information
Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For further information: Canadian Cancer Society: Joelle Dorais, Senior Communications Officer, (514) 255-5151, extension 2403,
jdorais@quebec.cancer.ca
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/14/c2933.html
Smoking Rates Dropping, but Lung Cancer Deaths Still Leading Cause of Cancer Death
January 16 to 22 is National Non-Smoking Week
TORONTO, Jan. 13 /CNW/ - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Almost 19,000 Canadians died last year from lung cancer and over 16,000 of these deaths were due to cigarette smoking, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
"These statistics are sobering," says Cheryl Moyer, Director, Cancer Control Programs, Canadian Cancer Society. "This means that on average about 300 Canadians die each week from lung cancer caused by smoking. While recent statistics show that smoking rates have declined substantially, lung cancer
continues to take a huge toll on Canadians. The Society is committed to ensuring that smoking rates continue to drop so that fewer Canadians die from this disease."
Moyer says several factors have contributed to the decline in smoking rates. These include:
- higher tobacco taxes;
- curbs on tobacco advertising and promotion;
- smoking restrictions in workplaces and public places;
- larger picture-based health warnings on cigarette packages;
- providing support for people who wish to quit;
- government programming initiatives, including mass media campaigns.
"A comprehensive approach is the best approach to reducing tobacco use in Canada," says Moyer.
Society involved in pivotal tobacco court case next week The Canadian Cancer Society will contribute to the fight against tobacco next week - National Non-Smoking Week - through its participation in a pivotal tobacco court case being heard by the Supreme Court of Canada. A media advisory will be distributed via Canada Newswire on Monday, January 17, 9 a.m.
Support for smokers available
The Canadian Cancer Society's self-help program to help smokers quit -One Step at a Time - offers help for smokers and the people who care about them. For more information about One Step at a Time, or to locate a smoking quit line in your community, call the Society's Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
Smoking rates dropping: Statistics Canada information According to a June 2004 Statistics Canada report (the Canadian Community Health Survey), in 1994, 29 per cent of the Canadian population aged 12 and over smoked either daily or occasionally - by 2003, this had declined to 23 per cent. The proportion of the population that smoked daily fell significantly between 1994 and 2003 - from 24 per cent in 1994 to 18 per cent
in 2004. For more information:
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/040615/d040615b.htm
Media backgrounder: Lung cancer and smoking research
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The Canadian Cancer Society currently funds more than $1.3 million in research looking at different aspects of smoking and lung cancer. In addition to the $1.3 million, the Society was a founding partner of the Canadian Tobacco Control Research Initiative, which funds tobacco control research in Canada. The Society provides $500,000 annually to this initiative. Below are examples of some of the research underway:
Some teens easily hooked on smoking: Finding out why Smoking just one or two cigarettes a day may be all it takes for some adolescents to become addicted to nicotine, according to Dr. Jennifer O'Loughlin. In her six-year study, Dr. O'Loughlin, a professor at McGill University in Montreal, followed a group of over 1,300 Montreal teens. She found that one-third of the teens who smoked only once or twice reported symptoms of nicotine dependence, including difficulty not smoking when friends smoke and feeling a real need to smoke. Following up on this research, Dr. O'Loughlin recently found a genetic link between nicotine dependence and a variation in a single gene - called CYP2A6 - that controls how quickly people metabolize nicotine. In her study, she found that teens with this genetic variation were more likely to become nicotine dependent, even though they smoked fewer cigarettes per week than those with the normal gene. Dr. O'Loughlin's findings open the door for more effective smoking cessation programs that offer targeted messages tailored to each person's individual needs.
Smoking restrictions in outdoor spaces: Finding out more Dr. Roberta Ferrence is conducting research into how the physical and social factors of outdoor environments affect smokers. While many indoor public places have smoking restrictions, few restrictions exist for outdoor public places. Smoking in outdoor spaces can result in high levels of second-hand smoke, which is a hazard to non-smokers. Dr. Ferrence will determine which factors affect when and where people smoke, how they react to smoking restrictions, and how smokers and non-smokers interact. For this research, Dr. Ferrence's team, based at the University of Toronto, is collecting information from smokers and non-smokers in six outdoor public places in downtown Toronto about their attitudes and experiences regarding smoking in outdoor areas. Their results will help in the development of design recommendations and guidelines aimed at reducing smoking in outdoor spaces.
Finding the best ways to help people quit smoking In the past five years, Smokers' Help Lines, which provide telephone support for people wishing to quit smoking, have spread across Canada. Making sure people who call receive the best advice and information is the focus of Dr. Sharon Campbell's research. Dr. Campbell is the Director of Evaluation Studies at the Canadian Cancer Society-funded Centre for Behavioural Research Studies and Program Evaluation, based at the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario. Dr. Campbell has helped create standard ways to evaluate smoking cessation quitlines, giving quitlines across the country or around the world a common way to determine who uses quitlines, what services are delivered and what smokers do after they call the quitline. This information allows quitlines, policy makers and researchers to better understand which programs work well, who uses them and ways to share best practices across the country. Dr. Campbell's other work includes a survey of Canadian and international quitlines that has identified characteristics of different quitlines and what factors increase the likelihood of a person successfully quitting. This survey was adapted for use in the United States and Europe. Dr. Campbell also played a key role in developing the Canadian Smoker's Helpline Network.
Garlic: Finding out if it can fight lung cancer
Diallyl sulfone is a chemical produced when garlic is cooked or eaten. It appears that this chemical may protect against some kinds of cancer. Dr. Poh-Gek Forkert and her team, based at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, are trying to determine if this chemical can be used to protect against the development of lung cancer. Their results will confirm whether consuming this garlic derivative can protect against the effects associated with exposure to naturally-occurring carcinogens found in foods.
Note to editors/writers: The researchers are available for interviews.
Media backgrounder: The Facts and What We're Doing
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- In 2004, approximately 21,700 Canadians were diagnosed with lung cancer and about 18,900 died of the disease.
- On average (in 2004), 417 Canadians were diagnosed with lung cancer every week and 363 Canadians died of the disease.
- Lung cancer, the most preventable of all cancers, is the leading cause of cancer death for both sexes. Almost one-third of the cancer deaths
in men and almost one-quarter of the cancer deaths in women are due to lung cancer.
- Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease, disability and death in Canada. It is responsible for more than 47,500 deaths per
year in Canada.
- Cigarette smoking causes about 30 per cent of cancers in Canada and more than 85 per cent of lung cancers.
- Second-hand smoke is linked to the deaths of more than 1,000 Canadians every year.
How the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the fight against tobacco
Advocacy: Our advocacy efforts help ensure the implementation of strong, effective tobacco control legislation and policies at all levels of
government.
One Step at a Time self-help program for smokers: The Canadian Cancer Society's self-help program to help smokers quit - One Step at a Time -
offers help for smokers and the people who care about them.
Research: Every year, the Canadian Cancer Society encourages and funds research that helps control tobacco use. The Society is currently funding
close to $2 million in research looking at various aspects of smoking and lung cancer.
Information: We provide Canadians with up-to-date comprehensive information about tobacco, smoking, lung cancer prevention and treatment.
We supply this information through print material, our website and our Cancer Information Service.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2005/13/c2233.html
Ban on tobacco ads, smoking in public places in the offing
Bill to be placed in next JS session
Shakhawat Liton
An antismoking bill will be placed in the upcoming parliament session proposing a ban on all types of advertisements of tobacco products considered as a serious threat to public health.
The health ministry has submitted the much-talked about bill to the Parliament Secretariat for enacting a law that will also ban smoking in public places.
The law will prohibit the publication of advertisements of tobacco products in newspapers, books and magazines and broadcast through radio, television and cinema.
Putting up billboards and printing leaflets and handbills or any other documents containing advertisement of tobacco will also be banned, the bill proposes.
No company will be allowed to distribute tobacco free of cost, arrange any competition and make any offer of scholarship or donation to make publicity of tobacco products.
The bill proposes a punishment of three months imprisonment or a fine of Tk 1,000 or both for violation of the law.
The bill titled 'Smoking and Tobacco Usage (control) Act 2005' also proposes a ban on smoking in public places and transports with a provision of penalty.
If anyone violates the provision, he or she will be fined Tk 50, the bill proposes.
Considering the health hazards caused by tobacco, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international organisations are sponsoring antismoking campaigns.
According to a WHO study, tobacco-related illnesses in Bangladesh cost Tk 66.9 billion a year, including Tk 27.4 billion spent on smoking.
On the other hand, economic benefits from the tobacco sector stand at Tk 24.8 billion, including Tk 20.3 billion in tax collected on the domestic consumption and Tk 4.5 billion earned as wages in tobacco production, says the study report released yesterday.
The government has moved to enact the antismoking law as a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Bangladesh signed it on June 16, 2003.
"It will be possible to check uncontrolled smoking and production of tobacco through enacting the law," Health and Family Welfare Minister Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain said in a statement on the bill for the 15th session of parliament beginning January 31.
"It will also contribute to the safety of public health," the minister said.
The five existing laws -- The Juvenile Smoking Act 1919, The Prohibition of Smoking in Show Houses Act 1952, The Railway Act 1890, The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1976 and The Chittagong Metropolitan Police Ordinance 1978, are not sufficient to prohibit smoking, said the health minister.
Once the law is enacted, smoking will be prohibited in public places like educational institutions, government, semi-government and autonomous body offices, libraries, hospitals and clinics, court, airports, seaports, river ports, railway stations, bus terminals, ferries, cinemas, theatre halls and children's parks.
Bus, train, launch, airplane and all other modes of transport to be defined by the government are where smoking is prohibited.
The bill however proposes that the authorities or caretaker of any public places or transport can make special arrangements for smokers.
Considering the adverse effect of the law on the tobacco farmers, the bill proposes the government to provide soft-loans to them to switch to other crops in the next five years.
http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/01/14/d50114011210.htm
Doctors hit out at pub claims over smoking UK
THE British Medical Association today condemned claims made by the pub trade that ventilation in bars could protect the public from the effects of passive smoking.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association says good ventilation in pubs and other public places can adequately provide clean air.
But the BMA today branded these arguments untrue and based on flawed science. They point to research in America which found there was 50 times more air pollution in a smoky bar than in New York’s Holland road tunnel at rush hour. The BMA also claims studies have found that ventilation in bars does not reduce the risk to the health of customers or staff from second-hand smoke.
According to the organisation, ventilation systems use a filtration method to re-circulate air. While this method can clear the smoky atmosphere, the toxins present in second-hand smoke remain.
Dr Peter Terry, chairman of BMA Scotland, said: "Passive smoke kills. Businesses installing expensive ventilation systems will do so in the belief that they are protecting staff and the public from the ill-effects of second-hand smoke. The sad truth is that they are mistaken.
"Although good ventilation can help reduce the irritability of smoke, it does not eliminate its poisonous components.
"Tobacco smoke contains 4000 toxins and more than 50 cancer-causing substances. Many of these are odourless, invisible gasses, which are not removed by ventilation systems."
http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=49402005
Skirmishes over smoking -BULGARIA
Staff Reporter
IN spite of loud protests by restaurant and cafe owners against the new smoking restrictions and the large-scale checks by inspectors from the Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute (HEI), it seems that implementation of the law continues to be uneven.
Several places were spotted by The Sofia Echo staff to be sporting door signs saying “Smokers Only”, a small pub in one of the central city streets was choked by smoke on January 5 as almost all patrons along with the owner were puffing eagerly. The only ventilation was provided by the sporadic opening of the door. In another underground pub, the restrictions were not observed either; a large restaurant with two separate rooms had ashtrays on all tables. The same was the situation in a cafe visited on January 10.
According to a report by the Sofia HEI, on the first two working days of the new year, inspectors checked 101 restaurants and cafes.
In 30 of them all regulations were strictly observed. In 71 the inspectors issued written instructions on complying with the restrictions.
HEI inspectors have also checked 22 health institutions – 16 hospitals and six polyclinics and have found no violations.
Meanwhile, the Bulgarian-language media reported of the first 50-leva fine imposed on a chef in a restaurant in Veliko Turnovo caught smoking in the kitchen.
To his protests that there was a grace period, the inspectors said that this only applied to patrons of restaurants.
HEI Varna reported that in the first three working days there had been 209 checks, mostly in restaurants and cafes, and 12 fines for 50 to 100 leva had been issued. The inspectors had issued 41 instructions.
The head of HEI Varna said that the grace period in the city had expired.
http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/skirmishes-over-smoking/id_10600/catid_5
Hospitality Industry Vows To Fight Smoking Ban -NC
POSTED: 5:50 a.m. EST January 14, 2005
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte's hospitality industry is vowing to fight a proposed smoking ban.
Earlier this week County Commissioners asked the State Legislature to clear the way to make restaurants, bars and work places in Mecklenburg County smoke free.
The President of Charlotte's Hospitality and Tourism Alliance, Mohammad Jenatian says Commissioners should spend their time working on what he calls more important issues.
A state law prevents local governments from restricting smoking.
Commissioners want the state to exclude Mecklenburg from that law.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/4081807/detail.html
Tobacco Industrys’ Efforts to Cast Doubt on Link Between Smoking, Cancer Gene
LibrariesMedical News
Keywords TOBACCO INDUSTRY TOBACCO SMOKE CANCER-CAUSING MUTATIONS
Contact InformationAvailable for logged-in reporters only
Description
The strategies used by the tobacco industry to counteract research linking tobacco smoke to cancer-causing mutations in a gene called p53 are detailed in a study.
EARLY ONLINE PUBLICATION: Friday January 14 2005
Newswise — The strategies used by the tobacco industry to counteract research linking tobacco smoke to cancer-causing mutations in a gene called p53 are detailed in a study published online (Friday January 14, 2005) in The Lancet.
Damage to the p53 gene leads to uncontrolled cell division. Mutations in this gene are found in over 50% of all human tumours, including 60% of lung cancers.
Benzo[a]pyrene, a potent carcinogen, was identified in cigarette smoke in 1952. In the 1990’s, studies demonstrated patterned changes in p53 after exposure to benzo[a]pyrene. A 1996 landmark study showed benzo[a]pyrene’s interaction with p53 mirrored mutations found in actual human lung tumours. This finding provided strong molecular evidence of the direct carcinogenic effect of a tobacco smoke constituent.
Stanton Glantz (University of California, San Francisco, USA) and colleagues examined 43 previously confidential tobacco industry documents relating to p53 and tobacco smoke. The researchers found that prior to 1996, several tobacco companies supported research projects investigating the mechanisms of p53 mutations. Following the 1996 landmark study, tobacco companies planned a number of research projects in response and supported studies which appeared to cast doubt on a link between p53 damage and benzo[a]pyrene in tobacco smoke.
In two instances research arguing against a connection was undertaken and published by individuals with links to tobacco companies. Both studies were published in a journal, whose editor-in-chief, has an extensive and undisclosed history of working as a tobacco industry researcher and consultant.
Professor Glantz comments: “The tobacco companies claim that they are now working with the public health community to ‘support a single, consistent public health message on the role played by cigarette smoking in the development of the disease in smokers.’ But their multifaceted response to p53 research as recently as 2001, suggests that they have not changed their practices.”
Professor Glantz adds: “The extent and sophistication of the tobacco industry involvement in p53 research challenge authors, editors and users of scientific literature to be vigilant in demanding and maintaining rigorous standards for disclosing and evaluating potential conflicts of interest. Universities and other biomedical researchers should stop taking money from the tobacco industry in order to minimise the potential for any impairment of the integrity of the scientific process.” (Quote by e-mail; does not appear in published paper)
Please remember to cite The Lancet.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/509202/
Posted at 2:36 pm by looped_ca
Learning disabilities and the environment: What we know – and how our policies are failing children
Barbara McElgunn RN December 2001, Volume 6, Number 10
Learning disabilities and related attention deficit disorders affect an estimated 10% to 15% of children. The consequences of these and other neurological, developmental and behavioural disorders are life-long, often serious for both the child and his or her family, and costly for society. The role of toxic chemicals in the etiologies of these disorders has been largely ignored, although the evidence from both experimental animal and clinical research from the few neurotoxic chemicals that have been studied to date is compelling (1), and the possibilities for prevention are enormous.
An example of the costs of subtle deficits due to exposure to lead was demonstrated in a groundbreaking economic benefits analysis by Schwartz (1994) (2) based on calculations of the costs of lead-related reductions in intelligence quotient on years of schooling and earnings, and cardiovascular effects. The societal benefits of reducing blood lead concentrations in the population by just 1 mg/dL were estimated at $17.2 billion/year to the American economy. Schwartz (2) noted that these benefit estimates are low, as other known effects of lead – on behaviour, attention, hearing, balance and reduced stature – have not been assigned a monetary value (2). This benefit was revised upward in a subsequent economic analysis (3), based primarily on labour market changes and more recent data on the relationship of intelligence quotient with educational attainment and projected earnings gains.
Worldwide, there is growing attention to the differential vulnerability of children to environmental toxicants. Since the mid 1990s, increasing concern, legislation and policy initiatives in the United States, and a joint declaration (4) have brought children’s health and development into the forefront of the environmental agenda. Canada signed the 1997 Declaration of the Environmental Leaders of the Eight on Children’s Environmental Health that pledged action on the following issues: risk assessment and standard-setting that take into account the specific exposure pathways and dose-response characteristics of children; children’s exposures to lead; clean water and water standards; air quality (including environmental tobacco smoke); and emerging threats to children’s health from endocrine-disrupting chemicals (such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins that have been shown to have neurotoxic effects, and to alter thyroid function). Thyroid hormone is critical to most processes involved in brain development – regulating neurite outgrowth, cellular migration, synaptogenesis, myelogenesis and the development of major neurotransmitter systems (5). Despite the above pledges, the effects of toxic exposures on child health and development are receiving little attention in Canada in research or by other federal programs investigating the determinants of health and development. In addition, there are gaps in regulatory programs and policies that need to be revised to protect children.
By contrast, a 1997 executive order from the White House (6) acknowledged that children may suffer disproportionately from environmental health risks, and directed all American federal regulatory agencies to ensure that their policies, programs and standards address these risks. The executive order also established a high level interagency task force to recommend federal strategies and research. The above actions have generated a number of new initiatives in the United States: eight centres for children’s environmental health and disease prevention research, and announced this year, an additional four more centres on neurodevelopmental effects; a new Office of Children’s Health Protection at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and a major proposed study, A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Environmental Effects on Children’s Development, that will involve thousands of pregnancies from American intake sites.
The need for new approaches to government standard-setting and premarket safety evaluations to protect children was addressed in a five-year United States National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children (1993) (7). Among other findings, the report stated: “The data strongly suggest that exposure to neurotoxic compounds at levels believed to be safe for adults could result in permanent loss of brain function if it occurred during the prenatal and early childhood period of brain development”. Many toxic agents are known to damage the developing, and unprotected, brain by interfering with those processes undergoing development at the time of the exposure (Rodier, 1995) (8). It is clear that even subtle structural or neurochemical defects can nonetheless have devastating functional consequences.
TOXICITY TESTING
The NAS report made several recommendations for changes in risk assessments and standard-setting to protect children. To assess risk, regulators need adequate toxicity data to establish a No Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and adequate exposure data that takes into account both aggregate exposures (from all sources of the chemical, eg, water, food, carpets) and cumulative exposures (from several chemicals with a similar mode of action). The NAS Committee stated that the need for developmental neurotoxicity testing, which is not a core data requirement for pesticides, was of particular importance, as is the need to assess the potential for toxicity to the developing immune and reproductive systems. In assessing risks to children, the NAS recommended that an additional uncertainty factor be applied to the animal data to take into account toxicity and/or exposure data gaps. This action was mandated by Congress in the 1996 United States Food Quality Protection Act, requiring reassessments of pesticides. New EPA requirements for neurodevelopmental data have lead to some new regulations and bans on the major uses of two common pesticides.
In 1989, The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) and LDA America adopted resolutions titled, “The Need for Federally Mandated Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing to Protect Human Health: Central Nervous System Development” (www.ldac-taac.ca). Canada’s Minister of Health assured LDAC in 1990 that new guidelines would be issued in that year, which has not happened. However, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency is harmonizing its re-evaluation process with the USEPA and requiring developmental neurotoxicity testing for two classes of pesticides that act on the nervous systems of pests. However, this leaves risk assessments for other pesticides, food additives and colours, drugs, cosmetics, and high volume neurotoxic chemicals without these data. For example, an organic form of a known neurotoxicant, manganese, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT), was approved, and reassessed as being safe for use in Canadian gasoline without developmental neurotoxicity data. Manganese exposure produces effects on neurotransmitter systems in developing animals, but not in adult animals (9), and in humans, manganese toxicity produces neuropsychiatric disorders and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease (10). In the United States, the USEPA refused Ethyl Corporation’s petition to market MMT, based on unresolved health concerns; however, this was overturned in a narrow court decision that found that EPA could not ban a fuel additive based on health effects alone under the Clean Air Act.
EXPOSURE
Because children are smaller, they receive a more concentrated dose of a toxicant than adults. The fetus and the infant have immature detoxification systems, and the blood-brain barrier is not yet formed. Children also consume more of fewer foods, so a child might receive a higher exposure to a chemical contained on or in a favourite food during many meals every day. They play and breathe closer to the floor where contaminants accumulate in air and dust. Compared with adults, children consume more food and water, breathe more air on a mg/kg body weight basis and tend to absorb more toxicants.
The NAS report found that infants would consume up to seven times the amount of water on a mg/kg body weight basis than that consumed by adults. Water can be a source of exposure to toxicants for children, especially to children living in areas where groundwater is contaminated with pesticide and nitrate runoff. However, in Canada there is no federal legislation that sets enforceable standards for contaminants in drinking water; rather, the federal government, with the provinces, establishes ‘guidelines’ or nonenforceable limits for these chemicals and regulation is left to the provinces. Unfortunately, no systematic chemical analyses with reporting and enforcement of drinking water guidelines are mandated for populations in Canada by any department, or level of government. In a survey of well water (Ontario, 1989 [unpublished data]), atrazine, a triazine herbicide, was found in one sample at 210 parts per billion (ppb), 40 times the Canadian Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) of 5 ppb. A five-year study of the effects of environmental groundwater concentrations of pesticides (aldicarb and atrazine) and nitrates on the immune, hormonal and nervous systems of mice found effects, replicated many times, in altered thyroid levels, immune system suppression, and increased aggressiveness (11).
Do drinking water guidelines, or MACs, protect children? The rationale for the MAC for each chemical in drinking water is published by Health Canada, and calculated on an adult weight and consumption pattern. For example, consider atrazine with a MAC of 0.005 mg/L or 5 ppb, and recalculate the MAC based on a 7 kg child consuming 1 L/day, instead of a 70 kg adult consuming 1.5 L/day, the MAC would need to be close to an order of magnitude lower at 0.0007 mg/L or 0.7 ppb.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Research informs both clinical management and regulatory policy. In the 1960s, a blood lead level of 60 mg/dL was considered to be toxic. Since the 1970s, epidemiological research has altered the perception of lead’s hazards, lead was banned as a gasoline additive, and the concern for lead toxicity is now 10 mg/dL. There may be no threshold for lead’s effects – a recent study by Lanphear et al (12) linked levels as low as 2.5 mg/dL with neuro- developmental effects.
Unlike mandated programs in the United States, there are virtually no lead screening programs for children at risk in Canada. A study by Valiquette and Kosatsky (13) investigated laboratory records to review care received by children in Montreal in the 1980s with elevated blood lead levels, greater than 25 mg/dL, and found inadequate follow-up, little reporting to public health authorities or management of the source of lead, which in most cases was lead-containing paint (13). There is a voluntary agreement in Canada with the paint industry that should limit lead in paint to the United States 1977 regulated limit of 600 ppm, but Canada’s regulation under the Hazardous Products Act still permits more than eight times the 600 ppm limit for indoor paint, with no limit on outdoor paint. LDAC has urged that this regulation be updated for more than 10 years. A strategy to restrict the lead content of consumer products that was supposed to be issued for comment in 1998 is still in limbo. The risk assessment for lead is complete, but the snail’s pace approach to regulation shows that there is a need for enhanced risk management in Canada.
PROTECTING CHILDREN
The list of what needs to be done and is known to prevent some fraction of developmental disabilities is lengthy. There is a need for action on many toxic, persistent and cumulative chemicals. The federal government must develop guidelines to ensure that Health Canada bases acceptable levels of toxicants in air, water, soil and food on adequate developmental data and risk assessment policies to protect children. Testing for developmental neurotoxicity must become a requirement for chemicals of concern in safety evaluations and in standard settings. The precautionary principle – not waiting for years for all the evidence to be in before taking action on known or strongly suspected hazards to prevent harm – should take precedence over the calls from vested interests for ‘sound science’ (ie, ‘proof of harm’) before regulatory action can be taken. While the latter view prevails, there is an equal responsibility for government to appropriate the resources to generate this science in the public interest. Health Canada should join the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention biomonitoring program, which has recently published the National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (http://www. cdc.gov/nceh/dls/report/), using biomarkers for 25 toxic substances in blood and urine. There is a need for enhanced environmental health research programs, and an expanded birth defects surveillance program with the ability to detect and study clusters of neurodevelopmental disorders. The Liberal Party 2000 Redbook (14) platform promised $750 million over four years for this type of research, and to ensure safe water, air and soil. Health professionals could become important advocates on these issues, and should also consider the possibility that environmental agents may be playing a part in the etiologies of the diseases and disorders that they are seeing in their practices or research.
http://www.pulsus.com/Paeds/06_10/mcel_ed.htm
Butt-out battle flares-AB
Complete public smoking ban plan will be presented to MLAs by April
By JERRY WARD AND ANDREA SANDS, SUN MEDIA Thu, January 13, 2005
EDMONTON -- Health Minister Iris Evans wants a complete public smoking ban in Alberta and plans to present a proposal by April. "I'm going to see how far we can pursue that," Evans said yesterday. "If we can make sure that in every public place, every workplace, every place possible that is either in the public domain, or in a workplace we can reduce or eliminate the use of tobacco, then I think we'll make a significant stride towards it (a blanket ban).
"We have to take a look at pushing it as far we can. We may not be able to accomplish or reach our targets ... but I think we will make some gains this time."
All previous efforts to enact such a law have failed when voted on by Tory MLAs.
Evans is more hopeful now, thanks to a new set of cabinet ministers following the provincial election. She plans to present an all-encompassing, Alberta-wide no-smoking proposal to a Tory government policy committee in March or April to get the ball rolling.
If adopted at that level, the proposal would then go before the government cabinet and caucus for consideration.
"I don't have a magic bullet for this," Evans said. "What I do have is a ministry with costs rising, particularly for drugs and emerging technologies, services and so on."
Evans said she will consult chambers of commerce, health groups, municipalities and others to form the legislation.
New Democratic party Leader Brian Mason said it would be "great" if Evans could round up support to implement a province-wide smoking ban.
"The problem is that municipalities are doing different things and it creates and uneven playing field for small businesses and we're developing a kind of patchwork approach," Mason said.
Even the heavy-smoking province of Quebec intends to establish new provincial rules to curb smoking in public, said Les Hagen of Action on Smoking and Health.
"We're talking about the backyard of tobacco country," Hagen said. "If they can get away with this in Quebec, surely we can get away with this in Alberta, especially when the Alberta government seems so committed to health reform.
"If you're going to talk seriously about health reform, you have to talk about smoking."
Every year, 3,400 Albertans die from smoke-related illnesses, Hagen said.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/CalgarySun/News/2005/01/13/897021-sun.html
Tabacco growers bemoan attack on industry -ON
Thursday January 13, 2005
By Times-Journal Staff
Tobacco growers in Ontario want governments to be accountable for their “attack” on producers’ livelihood, says the chairman of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board.
“We are not looking for a short-term fix,” said Fred Neukamm, responding to comments made by the chairman of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
Murray Porteous, maintained the way the federal and provincial governments are handling relief for tobacco farmers might ruin small-volume markets for fruits and vegetables.
“Government payouts, direct subsidies are the answers to short-term situations, but fail to achieve long-term economic sustainability, particularly for agriculture,” Porteous said.
Neukamm responded tobacco growers are the victims of a war waged on the industry where quantities of imported leaf tobacco have increased and contraband and counterfeit activity have increased.
“We have lost our ability to supply the Canadian consumer,” Neukamm said.
Porteous suggested more government funding should be directed at market research and development, “because growers will likely move into horticultural production, causing an imbalance of supply and demand and shrinking already-dwindling prices to the point of no return.”
“Pouring more money into the fruit and vegetable industry may help those farmers that Mr. Porteous represents, but will do little to help beleaguered tobacco farmers,” Neukamm responded.
Neukamm added he believed it was unlikely additional research would result in enough new crops to support production on the more than 100,000 acres tobacco farmers cultivate.
“It has been said before and it will be said again -- the only alternative crop to tobacco is tobacco,” Neukamm said.
Neukamm said the government has declared war on tobacco, not on strawberries or apples, and he urged Porteous to support tobacco farmers.
http://www.stthomastimesjournal.com/story.php?id=137308
Smoke and morals -ON
Father Raymond J. de Souza National Post Jan. 14/05
Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman introduced his new anti-smoking legislation last month, striking a presumed note of moderation: "And so we're saying to Ontarians, if you want to smoke at home, we're not going to stop you."
That's generous. But just about everywhere else, smoking will be forbidden -- even in private clubs, Legion halls and yes, parking garages, where loiterers presumably might be afflicted by "deadly second-hand smoke". Three months ago, the Ontario Medical Association asked the government to ban smoking in private cars if children were present. So far that is not on the agenda, but otherwise Ontario has embraced the full zealotry of the anti-smoking program.
That's not new. But what is striking is how passionate the Ontario government is about providing moral instruction to its citizens when it comes to matters of health.
The anti-smoking strategy includes a government-funded Web site entitled stupid.ca. It assures us that it is not "meant to be an insult to smokers" because "smokers aren't stupid." Rather it offers "social commentary on the choice to smoke or not to smoke." Oh. Browse the Web site and the only possible conclusion is that if smokers aren't stupid -- meaning that they don't know better -- then they are deliberately making bad choices. That is to say, they are morally inferior.
Governments have been in the "social commentary" business for a long while. Historically, they may have used their coercive powers to build up the moral character of their citizens -- one thinks of prohibition or movie ratings or gambling restrictions. Now, government energy is focused on health. If you wish to let your soul rot in hell, the government will affirm your right to do so -- but don't try it with your body.
So we have the rather ironic situation that the government of Ontario operates casinos, but now won't let you smoke in them. The government of Ontario -- like other provinces -- will entice the public to gamble, but as you are wagering away the grocery money, don't think about lighting a cigarette. Our universities promote condoms to new students with great enthusiasm to avoid disease; nary a word is offered that might question promiscuity as a bad moral choice. Public health authorities will facilitate your drug habit with free needles but are not so keen about telling you that it is simply wrong to shoot yourself up.
On health matters, the government is a veritable church lady. On other matters, it is the permissive mother on the block whose house the other children are forbidden from playing at.
The anti-smoking legislation caps a rather remarkable year on the health front. A private member's bill sailed through Queen's Park making helmets mandatory for adults when cycling, rollerblading or skateboarding. My colleague Andrew Coyne demolished the evidentiary case for mandatory bike helmets in November in these pages, but no matter. The initiative is a moral one: There exists a moral imperative to minimize all health risk, and should you dissent, the law will bind you.
More examples? Last September, the government moved to ban fresh sushi, insisting upon frozen instead because it would be safer. That proved a stretch too far, so the ban did not go through.
What apparently cannot be rescinded is the mentality that free citizens cannot be trusted to manage their own health. When it comes to thorny social issues, those advocating the abandonment of traditional mores insist on the supremacy of individual consciences. But not when it comes to health. Our public policy will not vigorously discourage someone from bearing children out of wedlock, with all its attendant pathologies, but it will do its best to make sure those children's bathwater is the right temperature.
Bathwater? Perhaps you are unfamiliar with a recent public campaign by Toronto Public Health, aimed at getting parents not to burn their children in the bath. A full campaign, complete with posters, brochures and flyers all over Toronto's transit system, funded fully by the Ontario taxpayer, telling parents to check the temperature of their hot water, lest the little ones scald themselves. What kind of mentality spends public health dollars to tell parents what every 14-year-old babysitter knows -- that you check the water temperature before plunging Junior in the tub?
The safety and smoking fanatics operate on the assumption that people are not responsible enough to be trusted with their freedom. So they must be harassed and nagged about bike helmets and bathwater, and if they don't comply, then good habits simply must be legislated. We will be healthy, whether we like it or not.
http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/comment/story.html?id=1eb3143a-f521-4417-b72c-0d878baa4f33
Indian Affairs minister conflicted over reserve smoking-SK
Tim Cook Canadian Press Friday, January 14, 2005
REGINA (CP) - The federal Indian Affairs minister acknowledged he's in a dilemma when it comes to dealing with smoking bylaws enacted by First Nations that attempt to do an end run around provincial rules.
Speaking in Regina on Thursday, Andy Scott said there are two conflicting issues at play - health and aboriginal self-government. "We would wish that communities have more authority over decisions," Scott said. "At the same time I believe strongly that we should do what we can to mitigate the health risks associated with smoking."
Scott made the comments when he was asked about the problems Saskatchewan is having with its tough new anti-smoking law.
Effective Jan. 1, smokers have had to butt out in all public buildings in the province or face fines. The law was meant to apply across the board, both on reserve and off.
But under the Indian Act, if a band were to pass a bylaw that conflicts with the provincial law, the band bylaw would prevail. For a bylaw to come into force, however, it must be first forwarded to the federal minister, who has 40 days to object.
Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan government came forward asking Scott to quash any bylaws that are weaker than the provincial anti-smoking legislation.
Scott said that he wants to consult with all of the stakeholders as well as his cabinet colleagues before he makes a decision.
But that will have to be done quickly.
The White Bear First Nation in the southeast corner of the province submitted a bylaw for approval on Dec. 9. It would allow smoking in bingo halls and casinos.
That means Scott's decision will have to come within a week.
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-chief Morley Watson said it should be up to native people to decide what is best for their health.
He said there are some bands in the province that came forward with anti-smoking bylaws before the province's rule came into effect.
"We're fully aware of making the best decision in our own lives," Watson said. "We cannot continue to have governements come along with very paternalistic attitudes that they have shown all along."
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Affairs Minister Maynard Sonntag got a chance to press the province's case with Scott on Thursday afternoon.
After the meeting, Sonntag told reporters that the Saskatchewan government respects First Nation self-governance, however, the province feels strongly about the health issues related to smoking.
"I don't think we are forcing anything on the federal minister at all," Sonntag said. "We are stating to him what we think is just a critically important health issue and want him to be aware of that."
Two other provinces, New Brunswick and Manitoba, have public smoking bans similar to the one in Saskatchewan. Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland all have laws on the way and just this week Alberta's health minister mused publicly about getting on board.
New Brunswick is in the same situation as Saskatchewan in that politicians there have asked First Nations to respect the new rules, but can do little should a bylaw be passed.
Manitoba avoided the issue by making reserves exempt from its smoking ban. The exemption has created controversy, however, with non-reserve business owners claiming it's a two-tier system.
http://www.canada.com/national/story.html?id=2d8246af-c276-422d-a9da-f5a4b562da9b
Minister undecided on extending smoking ban to reserves -SK
Broadcast News Thursday, January 13, 2005
REGINA - The federal Indian Affairs minister says he's in a bind when it comes to approving a First Nations' bylaw that would do an end run around provincial anti-smoking legislation.
Andy Scott says there are health issues with smoking but there's also the belief that First Nations should have the right to run their own communities.
Scott was speaking today in Regina about the situation on the White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan.
While smoking is now banned inside all public places across the province, the reserve has passed its own bylaw that allows residents to light up in bingo halls and the local casino.
Under the Indian Act, Ottawa must approve the bylaw but the province has asked Scott to reject it.
The minister says he wants to consult all parties involved in the issue, including his cabinet colleagues, before he decides.
A decision must be made within the next week.
http://www.canada.com/saskatoon/starphoenix/news/story.html?id=7f94bfcb-6074-47a4-9264-b8c5e4d41920
Klein says no to smoking ban -AB
Last Updated Jan 14 2005 03:51 PM MST
CBC News CALGARY – Premier Ralph Klein says there will not be a provincewide ban on smoking.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Iris Evans said she was going to revisit the debate that started a few years ago. That initiative was eventually shot down by the government caucus.
Evans said she believed that this time the caucus and premier were more willing to take another look at regulating smoking.
But during a news conference in Montreal Friday, Klein rejected the idea saying that municipalities should be free to set their own rules on smoking.
"I've never called for a smoking ban," he said. "But I think that if you smoke you're stupid. Everyone knows the harms of smoking so we will leave it to the municipalities. Here's the problem: smoking is still legal in this country."
But that has municipalities and union leaders upset. Bob Hawksworth, head of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, says it's not fair to leave bans up to individual cities and towns because of the costs involved.
Dan McLennan, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, says cancer is an equal opportunity killer, no matter where you live.
"You have to do a total ban – there is no other way," he says. "We're setting a horrific example for our kids in lagging behind on this legislation."
Meanwhile, an Alberta member of a Canadian restaurant group says some local businesses would suffer under a smoking ban.
The Canadian Restaurant Association's Al Brown says a provincial smoking policy isn't a bad idea, because it sets up a level playing field for all businesses.
However, he says that other than bars, nightclubs and casinos, there are some businesses that would be at a distinct disadvantage.
He points to Manitoba, which has banned smoking in all public places, as an example. "We know now with the numbers we're getting out of Manitoba [...] that their business decreases anywhere between 15 to 25 per cent."
Browne says his group prefers the B.C. model, which requires strict filtration and separation systems for any public place that allows smoking.
http://calgary.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/ca-smoking-ban20050114.html
Alberta Premier Klein calls smokers 'stupid' -AB
Canadian Press
MONTREAL — Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, a longtime smoker who has tried many times to quit, called smokers "stupid'' on Friday but said he doesn't believe it's his job to impose a ban on lighting up in his province.
While other provinces are cracking down on smoking in public places such as malls, bars and restaurants, Klein said he believes municipalities should make their own decisions.
"Smoking is still legal in Canada,'' he told a news conference after giving a speech to the Montreal Board of Trade. "I've never called for a smoking ban and never will. But I think if you smoke, you're stupid.''
That comment came despite the fact that Klein himself, an aide said Friday from Edmonton, is a smoker who has tried frequently and unsuccessfully to kick the habit.
Instead of an Alberta-wide smoking ban, Klein said he'd prefer to see family restaurants where children dine with their parents to be smoke-free.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1105746444254_2/?hub=Health
Smoking ban a 'workplace safety' issue -AB
Health minister seeks tougher smoking laws while premier says: 'If you're stupid, smoke'
James Baxter; With files from Jason Fekete Thursday, January 13, 2005
EDMONTON - Health Minister Iris Evans will push for a provincewide ban on smoking in the workplace as a cornerstone of the government's latest wellness strategy.
The patchwork of municipal bylaws across the province isn't working, so the government needs to take a leadership role by launching a new tobacco-control campaign, complete with new laws, said Evans, who took over the portfolio from Gary Mar after the November election.
"This is a question of public health and it is a question of workplace safety for employees," said Evans. "A lot of municipalities would like to hear whether or not this caucus, and this government, and this health minister would support a tobacco reduction policy and an elimination in public places. Frankly, I would."
On Tuesday, Premier Ralph Klein said he would like to put up billboards along the province's highways that say: "If you're stupid, smoke."
Evans said Wednesday she plans to ask a government committee to come up with new ways to curb tobacco use in the workplace.
"I would like to see how far we are able to go on this health issue, this workplace issue, of reducing smoking or eliminating smoking in the workplace and in public places."
The news was greeted with cautious optimism by anti-smoking groups, who noted that Mar championed similar legislation and failed to get it by caucus.
"Hopefully this is more than just a trial balloon," said Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health. "For us, any time the premier talks about health reform, that's good news, because you can't seriously talk about reform without addressing the leading avoidable cost of illness and premature death in the province, which is tobacco use."
Evans agreed that curbing smoking is a critical component of any serious effort to reform health care and cut costs to the publicly funded system.
"If we can (cut smoking in the workplace), we'll do a lot, I think, to help young people and people of every age to stay healthier ... ," she said.
Liberal health and wellness critic Laurie Blakeman said she supports efforts to cut smoking from the workplace, adding that she believes a majority of Albertans, even smokers, support tougher restrictions on smoking in public places.
"It's a good idea and I'm right there," said Blakeman.
But she too wonders whether Evans will be any more successful than Mar in garnering caucus support.
"I think what the government needs most is intestinal fortitude," she said.
Hagen believes any legislation will be a good test of the influence Rod Love, Klein's chief of staff, has on government policy. Before returning to government service in November, he said, Love worked as a lobbyist for a major cigarette maker.
"I think the chances (of the legislation passing) are good, but depend largely on the resolve of the health minister and of the premier," Hagen said.
"It all comes back to health care reform. If they're serious about reforming health care, then banning tobacco in the workplace is a no-brainer. If you aren't, then obviously other influences are at play."
Love, who was travelling with Klein in Ontario on Wednesday, could not be reached for comment. He has insisted that in cases of potential conflict between government policy and his former clients he will recuse himself from discussions on those issues.
http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/soundoff/story.html?id=ec06ea21-2ea6-4631-aded-4d899718e7fa
No butts about it -AB
JERRY WARD and ANDREA SANDS, EDMONTON SUN
Health Minister Iris Evans wants a complete public smoking ban in Alberta and plans to present a proposal by April. "I'm going to see how far we can pursue that," Evans said yesterday. "If we can make sure that in every public place, every workplace, every place possible that is either in the public domain or in a workplace, we can reduce or eliminate the use of tobacco then I think we'll make a significant stride towards it (a blanket ban).
"We have to take a look at pushing it as far we can. We may not be able to accomplish or reach our targets ... but I think we will make some gains this time."
All previous efforts to enact such a law have failed when voted on by Tory MLAs. But a new set of cabinet ministers following November's provincial election has given Evans fresh hope.
She plans to present an all-encompassing, provincewide no-smoking proposal to a government policy committee in March or April. If adopted at that level, the government cabinet and caucus would consider the proposal.
Evans said she will consult chambers of commerce, health groups, municipalities and others to form the legislation.
New Democratic Party Leader Brian Mason hopes Evans can round up support for a provincewide ban.
"The problem is that municipalities are doing different things and it creates an uneven playing field for small businesses. We're developing a kind of patchwork approach."
Even the heavy-smoking province of Quebec intends to establish new rules to curb smoking in public places, noted Les Hagen of Action on Smoking and Health.
"We're talking about the backyard of tobacco country," Hagen said. "If they can get away with this in Quebec, surely we can get away with this in Alberta, especially when the Alberta government seems so committed to health reform.
"If you're going to talk seriously about health reform, you have to talk about smoking."
But Premier Ralph Klein has said repeatedly his government won't force no-smoking laws on businesses that can make their own decisions.
In March 2002, Klein told reporters he wasn't about to order "old timers" in places like Crossfield's Oliver hotel to butt out.
"What are you going to do? Have a whole bunch of smoke cops saying, 'C'mon old-timer, put that cigarette out?' "
The manager of the Oliver in the town 260 km south of Edmonton agreed yesterday that the government shouldn't stick its nose into smoking at the "working man's" bar.
"I think people are getting to the point where they're told quite a bit what they can and can't do, and it's taking away a bit of our freedom," said reformed smoker Delores Wood.
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/EdmontonSun/News/2005/01/13/896938-sun.html
Ottawa treading carefully around smoking ban debate
CBC News Last Updated Jan 13 2005 02:23 PM CST
REGINA – The federal Indian Affairs minister appears to be in no hurry to get involved in Saskatchewan's smoking-ban debate.
Under a provincewide ban that went into effect Jan. 1, smoking is not permitted in bars, restaurants and other enclosed public places.
The provincial government contends the law extends to casinos, including those on Indian property. But the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), says the province doesn't have the jurisdiction to impose smoking rules on band property.
The FSIN has said bands will write their own smoking bylaws, although it won't necessarily mean total smoking bans.
In response, Saskatchewan's Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations Maynard Sonntag noted that band bylaws need approval from the federal minister.
He said earlier this week he was counting on Ottawa to refuse.
Asked what he's going to do, federal Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott, who was in Regina Thursday, said he still hasn't made up his mind.
"We would wish that communities have more authority over decisions," Scott said. "At the same time I believe strongly that we should do what we can to mitigate the health risks associated with smoking."
Scott said he'd have to discuss things with his colleagues, "the community and others" before deciding what to do. He said he'll make a decision next week.
http://sask.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/smoking050113.html
Smoking ban tickets might not be issued on reserves
CBC News Last Updated Jan 14 2005 09:07 AM CST
REGINA – A Saskatchewan cabinet minister says the government won't ticket people who smoke on Indian property if the band allows smoking.
It's the clearest indication yet from the government about how it will apply – or won't apply – its province-wide smoking ban on reserves.
For weeks, the government has said the law applies across the province, but has been vague about whether it would enforce it on Indian land.
The ban that prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, bingos and other public enclosed places has been in effect since Jan. 1.
Some Indian bands are still letting people light up in certain parts of their casinos – including off-reserve casinos.
On Thursday, First Nations and Metis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said the province will "respect" different smoking bylaws on First Nations.
He said if those people are smoking with the band's blessing, inspectors will not issue tickets.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says it's a jurisdictional issue – the province has no right to impose a smoking law on Indian property.
The FSIN says bands will have their own smoking bylaws, but that won't necessarily mean a total ban.
Sonntag said his government should have done more to get bands onside in the first place.
"We received no indication that there would not be compliance," he said.
"Had we known more earlier, certainly we would have been in discussions that were centred around this issue for a longer period of time."
Sonntag hopes further talks with First Nations leaders will convince them to ban smoking altogether.
Earlier this week, Sonntag said Ottawa shouldn't approve bylaws that would allow smoking on reserves. However, federal Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott said he hasn't made a decision on that yet.
http://sask.cbc.ca/regionalnews/caches/smoking-reserves050114.html
Smoking confounds Ottawa
Minister weighs weaker First Nations' smoking bylaw
Tim Switzer Saskatchewan News Network; with files from Canadian Press January 14, 2005
REGINA -- Canada's Indian and northern affairs minister said he is conflicted about whether to approve a smoking bylaw proposed by a Saskatchewan First Nation that the provincial government considers weaker than its own legislation.
Andy Scott said Thursday he will consult with cabinet colleagues, affected First Nations, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) leadership and the provincial government before making a decision next week.
"I am conflicted by my strong support for doing anything we can to minimize the health risks associated with smoking and, at the same time, my genuine belief in the policy and the fact that (First Nations) communities should be making decisions on their own," he said.
After the FSIN said in December it was unlikely to follow the provincial smoking ban in Native-run casinos, the NDP indicated it must respect First Nations' jurisdiction on the issue. But earlier this week the province urged Scott to reject any bylaw weaker than the provincial law.
The bylaw, proposed by the White Bear First Nation on Dec. 9, would ban smoking in enclosed spaces but would allow bingo halls, accommodation units and the Bear Claw Casino to set aside up to 40 per cent of their business as a smoking area.
Under the Indian Act, band councils can pass their own bylaws but they must be sent to the federal Indian affairs minister, who can disallow them. Provincial law applies unless it is inconsistent with the Indian Act or an order, rule, regulation or bylaw made under the act.
Scott has 40 days to respond to the resolution. If he disallows the bylaw, provincial law prevails. If he approves it or doesn't respond at all, the bylaw goes into effect.
FSIN vice-chief Morley Watson said it should be up to Native people to decide what is best for their health.
He said some bands in the province came forward with anti-smoking bylaws before the province's rule came into effect.
"We're fully aware of making the best decision in our own lives," Watson said. "We cannot continue to have governments come along with very paternalistic attitudes that they have shown all along."
After meeting with Scott late Thursday afternoon, Saskatchewan First Nations and Metis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said the province isn't trying to force Scott into a decision but rather make him aware of what they feel is a critical health issue.
"The province has also been clear in saying we respect the inherent rights of First Nations people and we will respect the bylaws if approved," he said. "Again, we have not wanted this to evolve into an issue of authorities because we don't think this is an issue where you should have the discussion about who has the authority."
Sonntag also admitted the province could have done more prior to initiating the ban to avoid such problems.
"We certainly could have had more discussions with the First Nations than we did -- hindsight is 20/20," he said. "Having said that, if you look back a couple of months ago, the casinos like (where a city-wide smoking ban was implemented) were complying. We received no indication that there would not be compliance."
Other provinces are having similar problems with their new smoking bans.
New Brunswick is in the same position as Saskatchewan where the ban was applied to all areas but politicians can do little if First Nations bylaws are passed while Manitoba did not include First Nations in their ban but now face pressure from non-reserve businesses.
http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/story.html?id=31446629-9da5-4853-b4cc-b7d80b678d1a
Federal Indian Affairs minister conflicted over reserve smoking rules
Tim Cook Canadian Press Friday, January 14, 2005
REGINA (CP) - The federal Indian Affairs minister acknowledged he's in a dilemma when it comes to dealing with smoking bylaws enacted by First Nations that attempt to do an end run around provincial rules.
Speaking in Regina on Thursday, Andy Scott said there are two conflicting issues at play - health and aboriginal self-government. "We would wish that communities have more authority over decisions," Scott said. "At the same time I believe strongly that we should do what we can to mitigate the health risks associated with smoking."
Scott made the comments when he was asked about the problems Saskatchewan is having with its tough new anti-smoking law.
Effective Jan. 1, smokers have had to butt out in all public buildings in the province or face fines. The law was meant to apply across the board, both on reserve and off.
But under the Indian Act, if a band were to pass a bylaw that conflicts with the provincial law, the band bylaw would prevail. For a bylaw to come into force, however, it must be first forwarded to the federal minister, who has 40 days to object.
Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan government came forward asking Scott to quash any bylaws that are weaker than the provincial anti-smoking legislation.
Scott said that he wants to consult with all of the stakeholders as well as his cabinet colleagues before he makes a decision.
But that will have to be done quickly.
The White Bear First Nation in the southeast corner of the province submitted a bylaw for approval on Dec. 9. It would allow smoking in bingo halls and casinos.
That means Scott's decision will have to come within a week.
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations vice-chief Morley Watson said it should be up to native people to decide what is best for their health.
He said there are some bands in the province that came forward with anti-smoking bylaws before the province's rule came into effect.
"We're fully aware of making the best decision in our own lives," Watson said. "We cannot continue to have governements come along with very paternalistic attitudes that they have shown all along."
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Affairs Minister Maynard Sonntag got a chance to press the province's case with Scott on Thursday afternoon.
After the meeting, Sonntag told reporters that the Saskatchewan government respects First Nation self-governance, however, the province feels strongly about the health issues related to smoking.
"I don't think we are forcing anything on the federal minister at all," Sonntag said. "We are stating to him what we think is just a critically important health issue and want him to be aware of that."
Two other provinces, New Brunswick and Manitoba, have public smoking bans similar to the one in Saskatchewan. Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland all have laws on the way and just this week Alberta's health minister mused publicly about getting on board.
New Brunswick is in the same situation as Saskatchewan in that politicians there have asked First Nations to respect the new rules, but can do little should a bylaw be passed.
Manitoba avoided the issue by making reserves exempt from its smoking ban. The exemption has created controversy, however, with non-reserve business owners claiming it's a two-tier system
http://www.canada.com/health/story.html?id=c7812b45-0082-4e3b-870c-2ea718f737b2
A call to defenders of medicare
BOB HEPBURN Jan. 15, 2005. 01:00 AM
Once again, Canada's medicare is under assault — and unless its backers rally to its defence one more time, the publicly funded, not-for-profit system faces a real risk of collapse.
Leading the charge this time is Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, who this week was promoting a "third way" of delivering health care that is somewhere between the current Canadian system and the private health-care system in the United States.
Klein will hold an international symposium this spring looking at health- care systems around the world, including France, Switzerland, Australia and others, but excluding the U.S. He wants to find what works, and why.
Klein insists he wants to retain our public medicare system, but also favours looking at "innovative" approaches to deliver health care. He talks of "publicly funded health procedures privately delivered."
Clearly, Klein is a stalking horse for those who want a private, for-profit health system in Canada. Such people argue — seductively at times — that if you have enough money, why can't you buy health care?
You can spend your own money on the car of your choice, the clothes of your choice, the dentist of your choice, they say. So why can't you spend it on health care, to buy a private MRI when you need one, to buy a hip replacement or get cancer treatment?
Backers of medicare have heard similar arguments for years — and have argued forcefully against them.
But Canadians, who still overwhelmingly support medicare, are becoming fatigued. And they are finding it harder to defend the system when they saw billions of extra dollars poured into it over the last decade without seeing any discernible improvements.
Also, seemingly every week, there are fresh horror stories about children with cancer forced to wait months for diagnosis or treatment, of elderly patients driving to Buffalo for specialized care, of overcrowded emergency rooms that turn away ambulances.
Despite fatigue, though, medicare defenders must not give up the fight.
They cannot let pro-privatization forces seize control of this debate.
They must speak up for the system, acknowledge it is flawed, and propose ways of fixing it, such as reducing wait times, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and by increasing the number and availability of doctors.
And they must concede that, cut to its core, this debate is not just over a question of more money for medicare versus privatization, but about delivering services differently.
Both sides agree more money is needed. It's just that private sector backers would prefer to pay it directly out of their own pocket as they need it while medicare supporters want to pay for it through taxes so all can benefit.
Klein is right to say there is another option. What it is, though, is not a parallel private system as he wants. In fact, we don't need to go the private route at all to impro Posted at 2:24 pm by looped_ca
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