City releases report on smoking

After meeting with business owners and residents about smoking in Iqaluit, city council has completed a report on the conclusions of the community members present at two information sessions. The biggest one is keeping children away from cigarettes and second-hand smoke.

There was no clear consensus between business owners who are opposed to a 100 per cent ban on smoking in drinking establishments and residents who support a ban as soon as possible.

However, businesses that primarily serve food and residents agreed there should be no smoking wherever children are allowed.

The report is mainly a compilation of ideas, with no solid recommendations. It says setting a target date for public places to go smoke-free would give business owners time to prepare. It also notes that having smoking and non-smoking sections in an establishment is unacceptable to both business owners and residents, as is the idea of separate ventilated areas because of the cost involved.

They agreed that smoking should be banned from entrance ways to public places because of second-hand smoke concerns and second-hand butts, which are often re-smoked by children.

Council expects a report from the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics within a month based on a phone survey of 500 Iqaluit residents. A legal analysis is being completed regarding no-smoking bylaws.

Another public meeting will be held at the end of the month, or in early November, to release survey results. At that time, the city may be able to propose an anti-smoking action plan.

A bylaw will then be drafted and taken to restaurant and bar owners for comment before going to council for first reading.