For Immediate Release                                                            

May 19 , 2006

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES INCREASED FUNDING TO NEW SMOKE-FREE ONTARIO STRATEGY

KINGSTON – The McGuinty government is providing $588,911 in new funding under the new Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy that will enforce tough new regulations to eliminate smoking in the work place, prevent young people from smoking, and help smokers quit, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf on Minister of Health Promotion Jim Watson.

“Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in our province,” said Gerretsen. “With today’s investment our government is closing in on our target to reduce tobacco consumption by 20 per cent from 2003 levels, that’s 3.2 billion fewer cigarettes being smoked by 2007.”

The funding for 2006, announced locally by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Gemmill, will enable the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health Unit  to protect the health of Ontarians by enforcing the Act’s smoking ban in all public spaces and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, schools, private clubs, sports arenas and work vehicles. The comprehensive new tobacco control strategy will also toughen laws against selling tobacco to minors and restrict the display of tobacco products.

With new Smoke-Free Ontario funding, KFL&A Public health now has 7.5 full time staff working in tobacco control.  KFL&A Public Health is working with Hasting and Prince Edward County Health Unit on issues related to Aboriginal tobacco in all communities.

The Public Health Unit will play a key role in implementing the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy. And to make sure enforcement is consistent in all communities, in Kingston the provincial Government will pay 100 per cent of the costs of inspection and enforcement.

-30-

For more information contact:
John Gerretsen, MPP
547-2385