Tories back smoking ban in cars with kids
Last Updated: Thursday, December 6, 2007 | 5:03 PM ET
CBC News
The idea of banning smoking in cars with children present is catching fire.
Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative government is backing a Liberal bill to make it illegal provincewide to light up in a vehicle carrying anyone under 18.
Liberal health critic Dave Wilson, who brought the bill forward, is convinced the smoking ban will save lives.
"I think it's the right thing to do and I think unfortunately sometimes you have to regulate to protect our children," he said Thursday.
Wilson was inspired by Wolfville, the first Canadian municipality to ban smoking in vehicles when a child is present.
The town in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley passed the bylaw last month. First-time offenders get a warning, but repeat offenders face a $50 fine.
Wilson said he's grateful for the government support for his bill.
It now moves to the law amendments committee, where the public will get a chance to comment.
