It’s official. No one can smoke in a car in Ontario when there are children under the age of 16 present. Anyone that does will be subject to fines of up to $250. Why does the government even have to pass legislation like this? Don’t we as a society have enough brains to know enough not to smoke around children, especially in a confined space like a car. And don’t think for one moment that because you blow your smoke out an open window that it isn’t harmful. A 2007 report from the Ontario Medical Association clearly states that smoke in a car can be up to 27 times more concentrated than in a smoker’s home. No one should subject children to that kind of danger.

The new law called The Smoke-Free Ontario Act applies to anyone smoking in the car - drivers and passengers alike. And it doesn’t matter whether the vehicle is moving or stationary or if doors, windows, or any kind of roof is open. The purpose of the law is to protect children from the harmful effects of second hand smoke which puts them at greater risk of developing bronchitis, colds, ear infections and asthma.

In Canada similar laws already exist in Nova Scotia, Yukon, Surrey, British Columbia, and Okotoks, Alberta. Prince Edward Island and Manitoba are considering similar legislation. Why isn’t this a Canada-wide law? Why wouldn’t any province or territory be moving quickly to get on board? Children are our future. As a society we must collectively do everything possible to protect them.