October 03, 2003

An all-party committee examining the issues of environmental tobacco smoke has completed public consultations and is now working on a report to deliver to government, chair Stan Struthers, MLA for Dauphin-Roblin, announced today.

"We are on track to meet our goal of completing a report this fall," Struthers said.

The consultation process ended yesterday when committee members met with Wally Fox-Decent, chair of the Advisory Council on Workplace Safety and Health, which has recommended a phased-in smoking ban in all workplaces.

"The advisory council’s report and the public’s views will provide us with a foundation of information that will assist us greatly as we try to achieve consensus on the issue," Struthers said.

The committee held 13 meetings in 12 Manitoba communities and heard 115 oral presentations.

Among the presentations, the committee heard from doctors, representatives of the hospitality industry, Royal Canadian legions, chambers of commerce, the Manitoba Lung Association and private citizens.

"The committee was impressed with the quality of presentations and is also appreciative of the time citizens put into doing research and attending the hearings to help us do our important work," said Struthers.

It also received 65 submissions by e-mail, 40 submissions by mail and 50 documents during the consultation process.

Along with Struthers, committee members representing the governing party are Conservation Minister Steve Ashton, Transportation and Government Services Minister Scott Smith and Greg Dewar, MLA for Selkirk.

The official Opposition is represented by Denis Rocan, MLA for Carman, and John Loewen, MLA for Fort Whyte.

The Liberals are represented by Jon Gerrard, MLA for River Heights.

The committee’s mandate is to reach consensus if possible. The report, to be completed later in the fall, will be made public.

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