Help Make N.S. Smoke Free Smoke free workplaces and public places
throughout Nova Scotia are a real
But it is still unclear what the exact scope of provincial government's commitment will be. Will the legislation completely eliminate all exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in indoor public places and workplaces or will it allow partial bans and ventilated chambers? Citizen input will be important to insure the legislation is as strong as possible. Given all the scientific evidence compiled internationally, the only effective solution that protects health is one that provides for 100% smoke-free indoor public places and worksites. Anything less will not adequately address the problem of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Smoke-Free Nova Scotia believes that comprehensive legislation is a pivotal part of protecting people from secondhand tobacco smoke as well as reducing the number of smokers. Smoke-free legislation has also been shown to play an important part in preventing youth smoking. The most effective thing you can do to influence policy on this issue is to make sure your MLA knows you support legislation which would make all indoor public places and workplaces 100% smoke free. The more personal your contact with your MLA is, the more effective it will be. Meeting with and having a personal discussion with your MLA is most effective, a telephone conversation with your MLA or one of his or her assistants is almost as good and a personal letter or email message is much more effective than a form letter or postcard. If you need to be better informed before contacting your MLA, there are resources available from Smoke Free Nova Scotia. "No If's And's or But's", Smoke-Free Nova Scotia's Policy Statement is available at their website: http://www.smokefreens.ca They also have MLA contact information, fact sheets, sample letters, and a sample phone script. There are sample letters to the editor and two 3 minute Public Service Announcements for your local radio station which you can use. In March, Smoke Free Nova Scotia will be holding skill-building workshops throughout the province to raise public awareness about the ill-effects of secondhand tobacco smoke and provide advocacy skills for healthy public policy. For further information or to register
for workshops contact Smoke-Free
For a list of phone numbers and email
addresses for Nova Scotia MLAs
If you don't know who your MLA is, you
can contact Access NS 1-800-670-4357
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