100% smoke-free workplaces and public places
The majority of working Albertans are not protected by smoke-free workplace laws. Eight provinces and territories have passed laws to make virtually all workplaces completely smoke-free. A recent province-wide Ipsos-Reid survey of 800 Albertans commissioned by AADAC revealed that 81% of respondents agreed that smoking should be banned in all workplaces. The same survey revealed that 58% of Albertans agreed that smoking should be banned in bars, casinos and bingo halls. At the 2005 Progressive Conservative annual convention, 98% of delegates voted in favour of a province-wide workplace smoking ban. more
Ban on all retail tobacco displays (powerwalls)
Tobacco companies continue to target youth through the placement of prominent tobacco displays in thousands of retail stores throughout Alberta. The industry spends millions of dollars on these displays which are often located at children's eye level and adjacent to candy bars and bubble gum. Seven provinces and territories have passed laws to ban tobacco displays. A recent province-wide Ipsos-Reid survey of 800 Albertans commissioned by AADAC revealed that 66% of Albertans agreed with banning the display of cigarettes in retail stores. more
Prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, healthcare facilities and educational institutions
Health professionals, healthcare facilities and educational institutions should not be allowed to sell products that are as deadly and addictive as tobacco. Six provinces have outlawed tobacco sales in pharmacies and other settings. A vote of Alberta pharmacists commissioned by the Alberta College of Pharmacists in 2001 found that 77% of respondents supported the legislated removal of tobacco products from pharmacies. more
Recovery of tobacco-related healthcare costs from tobacco companies
Numerous courts have determined that the tobacco industry's actions to deceive the public about the risk of their products have placed an undue burden on public health and the healthcare system. The Supreme Court of Canada recently ruled that provincial governments can pass laws to enable healthcare cost-recovery lawsuits against the tobacco industry. Four provinces have passed such legislation and several others are considering following suit. Under the Hospitals Act, the Alberta government presently holds automobile insurers liable for the costs of treating people who are injured in motor vehicle collisions.
Tobacco tax increase
Tobacco taxes are one of the most effective strategies to reduce tobacco use, particularly among young people. A $2.25 tobacco tax increase in the 2002 provincial budget contributed to a 24% decline in tobacco consumption in the following year. Price discounting by tobacco manufacturers is undermining previous tax increases and the health of Albertans. At present, Alberta has the eighth lowest tobacco taxes among provinces and territories. A recent province-wide Ipsos-Reid survey of 800 Albertans commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society revealed that 76% of Albertans would support a $2 per pack tobacco tax increase to help reduce youth smoking.
