The Smoke-Free Ontario Act

The Ottawa Council on Smoking and Health applauds the Province of Ontario for passing the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which came into effect on May 31, 2006. This law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces in Ontario. The Ontario Medical Association's Position Paper, The Duty to Protect: Eliminating Second-Hand Smoke from Public Places and Work Places in Ontario, clearly outlines the need for a provincial smoke-free law. 

The final phase of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act came into force on May 31, 2008 with a ban on the display of tobacco products in retail establishments. This ban will protect children from the lure of flashy tobacco product colours and logos, thereby reducing the likelihood that a child will start to smoke and become addicted to nicotine.

The Province of Ontario amended the Smoke-Free Ontario Act by prohibiting smoking in motor vehicles with passengers under the age of 16. This law came into effect on January 21, 2009.