BC Liberal Government Acts Now to Encourage Healthy Living
Nov. 5, 2006
VICTORIA – The BC Liberal government will ban smoking in all indoor public places, phase out junk food in all provincially-owned buildings and develop an active kids program to improve the health of British Columbians, Premier Gordon Campbell announced Saturday.
“We must make changes to improve our health and reduce pressures on our health care system if we are going to have a health care system that is sustainable for future generations,” Campbell said. “Health care costs are growing at two or three times the rate of our ability to pay and we are going to act now to encourage British Columbians to lead healthier lives.”
By 2008, smoking will be banned in all indoor public places and starting next September smoking will be banned on all school property, public and private, across British Columbia.
Approximately 110 British Columbians die each year from diseases brought on by second-hand smoke. In 2004, smoking cost the B.C. economy an estimated $2.7 billion. That same year, 13 per cent of youth between 15 and 19 years of age reported smoking. Seven other provinces and two territories already have similar legislation in place.
Premier Campbell also announced that starting next spring, new contracts with vendors in provincially-owned public buildings will be for healthy food only, including hospitals. The Province has already started phasing out junk food in schools.
“We need to do a better job of helping our kids lead healthy, active lifestyles,” Campbell said. “That is why we are supporting a new neighbourhood program that will get our kids out from behind their computers and outside playing again.”
The Silken’s Active Kids program, inspired and driven by former Olympian Silken Laumann, will see selected communities across B.C. pilot programs aimed at getting kids active.
“These initiatives build on our Pacific Leadership Agenda that includes building vibrant, connected communities that are socially responsive and environmentally responsible,” Campbell said. “Together, we are also building a new relationship with First Nations, improving our competitiveness and productivity, and capitalizing on our potential as Canada’s Pacific Gateway.”
