Morsonites snuff out smoking bylaw

Ken Johnston
Editor

Last Wednesday the third in a series of public meetings on smoke-free workplaces was held in Morson.
15 people attended and the consensus from the meeting was that the community does not necessarily need a bylaw making it illegal to smoke in a workplace. Two business owners said that they already do not allow smoking in their main lodges. As for their accommodations, they felt that guests can choose to smoke or not smoke in them as none of their employees are ever in them when the guests are.
Jennifer McKibbon of the Northwestern Health Unit said temporary residences are not what they are targeting with their efforts to eliminate second hand smoke in workplaces.
McKibbon did however note that the NWHU is recommending municipalities implement smoke-free bylaws to “create a level playing field for businesses.” By implementing it, all at once, no business will have an advantage over another.
One concern raised by Lake of the Woods Reeve Val Pizey was the fact that First Nations are not being asked to put a similar law or policy in effect. “They will have bingos with smoking and that will hurt our bingos (if we go smoke-free).”
LoW Citizen Laurie Pentney said that she can not attend functions where there is smoking. She avoids them and places where there is smoking as much as possible.
The issue of who would enforce a smoke-free bylaw was also raised. According to Pizey the cost to hire someone to police it would be unaffordable for LoW. Township.
McKibbon said that if LoW does not pass a bylaw the health unit will be able to enforce making all workplaces smoke-free with its staff by enforcing the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The only difference is the owner of a business may be held responsible rather than the person smoking. That could mean a fine up to $5,000.
Those present seemed to think the businesses could police the smoke-free policy themselves and that a bylaw was not needed. “I don’t think that there would be a problem enforcing it. I think there would be 100% volunteer (implementation),” said Mylie Gaudry.
“I don’t think that council should be telling you what to do with your businesses,” said Pizey.
LoW citizen Marilyn Hansen said, “I can’t understand why people would want to expose others to second hand smoke. I understand we can’t tell people not to smoke... just tell them to smoke elsewhere.” Hansen has a daughter with Asthma and cannot take her to places where there is smoking.
McKibbon added, “Smokers do not have the right to harm others with their actions.”
Helen Kellner pointed out that it would be cheaper to run the community halls if they were made smoke-free, in that smoke damages the paint and other decor. I would be happy with making the halls smoke-free and letting NWHU deal with the businesses.”
Reeve Pizey said that council will likely make a decision at its October meeting.
Cindy Miller, coordinator of the Morson Tourism Association said she surveyed all 55 of their members on the issue. 14 replied with 7 in favour of a smoke-free bylaw and 7 against. “To me this process is a waste of time. Most camps do not allow smoking in their lodges. If they want to do it, do it. If they don’t then don’t.”
LoW Councillor Ken Pentney said that his take on the evening was that council should only worry about the community halls.