The Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) created WNTD in 1987 to draw attention to the problems associated with tobacco use and the preventable death and disease it causes.

This year the date also represents an opportunity to mark the progress that has been made toward reducing tobacco consumption in Ontario through the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA). On May 31, 2006, the SFOA came into effect, prohibiting smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public places in the province. As part of the Act, a complete ban on the retail display of tobacco products will come into effect on May 31, 2008.

 “Since the implementation of the SFOA in 2006, our community has become a healthier and safer environment in which to work and live”, says Deb Bennett, Director of Health Protection, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. “Over the past year, we have encountered challenges and successes towards reducing tobacco use both locally and provincially. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will continue to support the Ontario governments’ efforts to protect people from the dangers of tobacco use though continued education and enforcement efforts, promotion of cessation resources for current smokers, and support of youth programs that work towards reducing the number of young smokers.”

This year's WNTD theme focuses on 100% smoke free environments as the only effective measure to protect the public from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. For more information on smoke free environments, cessation programs, tobacco related questions, or to file complaints related to smoke free legislation, contact the Health Unit’s Tobacco Hotline by phone at 519-258-2146 ext 3218 or by email at tobacco@wechealthunit.org.

Backgrounder

The Smoke Free Ontario Act in Windsor and Essex County
A One Year Snapshot
Overall the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is pleased with the level of acceptance and compliance with the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA) in Windsor and Essex County during the first year of the legislation. With the support of the Health Unit, the majority of owner/operators have chosen to comply with the requirements of the SFOA. The Health Unit’s main concern continues to be in the area of illegal sale of Tobacco Products to underage youth.

The following statistics and information reflects the formal activities of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit related to the Smoke Free Ontario Act in the period of May 31, 2006 to May 30, 2007.

Charges under SFOA - Windsor-Essex
Total Charges - 140
Sales to Minors - 55

The Tobacco Hotline 519-258-2146 Ext 3218Total Calls to Tobacco Hotline - 1222
Complaints - Smoking in Public Place - 174
Complaints - Smoking in Work Place - 133
Complaints - Tobacco Vendors - 43
Complaints - Smoking on School Property - 13

Educational VisitsRestaurant/Bar - 1162
Enclosed Workplace/Public Place - 3228
Other Institutions - 261