Why ENOUGH?
The Government can no longer justify allowing our hospitality workers to expose themselves to smoke in the workplace, when the evidence is so definitive and indisputable that any level of second-hand smoke is harmful. There is ENOUGH scientific research, ENOUGH economic research and ENOUGH public support to justify this legislation. The time to Act is Now. You can help us send a strong message to the government to protect workers and the public equally from second-hand smoke.
What can you do?
Go to our website at: www.cleanaircoalitionbc.com and click on the "Take Action" button
There are three options for Taking Action: (We would encourage you to send an Email to your MLA - Option 1 - as it goes directly to the Premier as well)
1) Email message to politicians - people can send an email message directly to their provincial MLA, and Premier Campbell will be automatically copied. We have provided an email message that can be used, with space to provide a personal message.
2) Letter writing tool kit - provides information on the ENOUGH campaign and why BC needs province-wide smoke-free public places legislation and information for writing letters to provincial politicians.
3) ENOUGH Postcards are being distributed by leading non-governmental organizations and other interested organizations - if you want to order 10 or more postcards, please contact Gene Chin at:
More information about why the ENOUGH Campaign is necessary
Despite the alarming evidence contained in the recent US Surgeon General's report that found there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, and the California Air Resources Board's recent designation of second-hand tobacco smoke as a toxic air contaminant in the same category as the most toxic automotive and industrial air pollutants, British Columbia lags behind most other provinces/territories in Canada that have implemented 100% smoke-free legislation in all public places, with NO Designated Smoking Rooms.
In BC today, smoking is banned in most workplaces under the Workers' Compensation Board ETS Regulations. However, when the Liberal government came into power in 2001, under the direction of Premier Gordon Campbell, they went on to override the WCB and weaken the Regulation to allow workers in the hospitality sector ONLY to work in DSRs (a decision based on unfounded economic concerns raised by the hospitality industry). Hospitality workers are the only workers in BC forced to choose whether to expose themselves to the hazardous carcinogens in second-hand smoke, for up to 20% of their work shift. BC now has a two-tier system where workers in the hospitality industry are provided less protection than all other workers in the province.
We are asking for your help in sending a strong message to the BC Provincial government by voicing your support for implementation of province-wide 100% smoke-free legislation in all indoor public places, including restaurants and bars, with no allowances for DSRs. We have had ENOUGH excuses - It's time to Act Now. Please feel free to share this email with others - together we can make a difference!
Sharon Hammond
Provincial Manager
Clean Air Coalition of BC