REGINA – A recent survey shows support from Regina residents in making public outdoor places smoke-free.
The Canadian Cancer Agency, Lung Association of Saskatchewan, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation conducted the survey from May to June of this year.
70 per cent of those who participated indicated they want to see smoking prohibited on patios at restaurants and bars around the city.
Almost 90 per cent also support bans at children’s playgrounds.
Saskatoon banned smoking on patios over a decade ago and is currently looking at banning e-cigarettes anywhere smoking is prohibited.
The agencies involved believe it’s time Regina followed suit.
“Every level of government has a responsibility to protect the well-being of its citizens,” said Donna Pasiechnik, with the Canadian Cancer Society. “Municipalities nationwide are moving in this direction, have moved in this direction and it’s time for Regina to do the same.”
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere had not gotten a chance to look at the results of the survey at the time of media availability, but said the current bylaws are in line with the province’s stance on the issue.
“Our bylaws reflect the provincial regulation on smoking and that’s an important element for a city because health issues are a provincial responsibility and smoking is part of that,” he added.
“We take the lead from the province on smoking in public places and our bylaw reflects the current standard of the province.”
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