Letters

October 2001

Written by: Carmela Graziani, Bay Ward, Ottawa


Dear Mayor Bob Chiarelli and City Councillors:

Asthmatics are relying on you to safeguard Smoke-Free Ottawa in the face of PUBCO's opposition. A recent article in the Ottawa Citizen reported that the number of Canadians hospitalized with asthma has decreased 31% in the past five years. However, the article also revealed worrisome facts:

  • although better education and medication mean the number of asthmatic Canadians treated in hospital is decreasing, the number of Canadians diagnosed with asthma is increasing;
  • an estimated one in 10 Canadian children have asthma and experts say this rate is rising;
  • the Canadian Lung Association estimates 500 adults and 20 children die from asthma attacks each year;
  • experts say most of these deaths are preventable with proper treatment and prevention.
Dr. Tom Kovesi, chief pediatric respirologist at CHEO, estimated that emergency room visits at his hospital have declined by only five to ten per cent. He said: "We've got a way to go. Asthma is still the most common reason for admission to CHEO and I think every other hospital in the country."

For all of these reasons, I urge Ottawa City Council to steadfastly support the 100% smoke-free by-laws for all public places and workplaces as the community adjusts over the coming months. The by-laws will help prevent both the onset of asthma and asthma flare-ups. They will further reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations, thus easing the burden on our health care system. They will help asthmatics to live longer, healthier lives, enabling them to study, work, and enjoy all that our community has to offer.

The smoke-free by-laws are opening up a whole new world for me. I feel like a tourist in my hometown as I rediscover places that for years were off-limit. I recently joined friends at a pub. I now shop at the Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and Fairlawn Plaza. I am relieved that all medical buildings are finally 100% smoke-free. I look forward to spending less time in doctors' offices and more time attending events in our great city. I feel secure knowing that when my asthma improves and I return to work, the by-laws will protect my lungs from second-hand smoke.

I am thankful and proud that Ottawa City Council enacted Canada's strongest smoke-free by-laws. Please do not let PUBCO undo both your good work and the health benefits that asthmatics are just beginning to reap. Ottawa City Council has set the standard for the rest of Canada. Asthmatics across the country need you to remain strong and committed too.

Sincerely,

Carmela Graziani, Bay Ward, Ottawa

cc:
Dr. Robert Cushman, Medical Officer of Health, Ottawa
Dr. Tom Kovesi, Chief Pediatric Respirologist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Dr. Robert Dales, Chief Respirologist, The Ottawa Hospital
Ray Rouse, Executive Director, Allergy/Asthma Information Association
Ann Abou-Nehme, Development Coordinator, Lung Association, Ottawa