It’s time for new Alberta government to show leadership on workplace smoking ban
EDMONTON – The government of Premier Ed Stelmach would create a valuable legacy for Albertans by passing legislation that imposes a total ban on workplace smoking, says the President of Alberta’s largest union.
A legislated ban on workplace smoking would protect Albertans and reduce health care costs, said Alberta Union of Provincial Employees President Doug Knight.
Other Canadian jurisdictions have outlawed smoking in the workplace, and such a law is long overdue in Alberta, Knight noted. “It’s high time our leaders in this province did the right thing and passed uncompromising workplace smoking legislation.”
AUPE has strongly advocated smoke-free workplaces for several years. As a result, the union will take part in the Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta to lobby the Stelmach Government for a complete ban on workplace smoking.
Knight encouraged AUPE members everywhere in Alberta to urge their MLAs to pass a consistent province-wide law banning smoking in all workplaces, including restaurants, bars and all public and private long-term care facilities.
If total workplace smoking bans are not imposed, governments and employers are bound to face lawsuits or Workers Compensation claims by employees made ill by second-hand smoke and the families of those who die because of it, Knight warned.
Seventeen prominent provincial organizations participate in the Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta. The campaign Website — www.smokefreealberta.com — includes an on-line petition that calls for a complete ban on workplace smoking, as well as contact information and links to all MLAs.
Numerous public opinion polls, including several commissioned by the Alberta government, reveal widespread public support for policy measures to reduce tobacco use.
AUPE represents more than 64,000 members throughout Alberta.
For more information, contact:
Doug Knight, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-265-6655 (cellular phone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular phone)
Angeline Webb, Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta, 403-541-5370