NDP Opposition MLA Leonard Krog is appalled the B.C. Liberals are not interested in keeping the air children breathe in cars smoke free any time soon, saying that decision leaves B.C. even further behind other jurisdictions.

“B.C. was once a leader on smoke free initiatives but now we simply follow further and further behind, says Krog, MLA for Nanaimo. “B.C. would not be breaking new ground. Many jurisdictions around the world have already banned smoking in cars when children are present.”

In addition to Wolfeville, Nova Scotia, jurisdictions that have implemented similar legislation now include Maine, New Jersey and New York, the states of Arkansas, California and Louisiana, as well as Puerto Rico and South Australia.

Yesterday, Health Minister George Abbot announced a delay to the implementation of changes to the Tobacco Control Act. At the same time Abbot said British Columbian’s aren’t ready to protect children from having to breathe smoke in cars. Krog disagrees.

“Abbot is wrong to – there is tremendous support in B.C. for clean air initiatives,” says Krog.

Earlier this year survey results released by BC Stats showed an overwhelming majority of British Columbians indicate strong public support for clean air initiatives. Of those surveyed, over 79 percent support or strongly support smoking bans in public places. Support ranged from 74 percent in the Northern Health Authority area to 87 percent in Vancouver Coastal Health. The survey was conducted for the Clean Air Coalition of B.C. which is comprised of the B.C. Lung Association and Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Krog said it’s confusing for the Health Minister to be out warning youth about the dangers of second hand smoke in cars while denying youth the tools they need to protect themselves.

“We all know the harms that tobacco can bring,” said Abbot during a 2006 speech to youth. “We also can’t forget the dangers of second-hand smoke in cars. Simply opening the windows cannot prevent the dangers associated with second-hand smoke.”

“We all agree the science is clear on second-hand smoke and it’s the kids that are the most vulnerable to its effects,” said Krog. “If Campbell’s Liberals want to make B.C. the healthiest jurisdiction in Canada, we should be the first province to protect children from breathing this class ‘A’ carcinogen in vehicles.”

On Nov 22 Krog introduced a Private Member’s Bill, the Smoke Free Cars Act, to protect the health and safety of children by prohibiting smoking in a motor vehicle when persons under the age of 16 are present. The MLA introduced the Bill after working with youth from Nanaimo District Secondary School, who have lobbied for tougher smoking regulations on behalf of children.