The Ontario Legislature has now banned smoking in a vehicle if a child under 16 years of age is present. The proposed law applies to all motor vehicles, both moving and stationary, and it doesn’t matter whether the windows, doors, sunroofs, etc are open. It has not yet been determined what the fine will be if caught, but it is thought that each offense will carry a $250 fine. Lt.-Gov. David Onley must give the bill royal assent for the law to take effect and there is no word on when that will happen. Nova Scotia and British Columbia already have a similar law in place. Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are also considering a similar ban.

This is a blow for smokers who are already banned from smoking in the workplace and in all public areas. However this ban is designed to protect our children rather than be punitive to smokers. According to recent studies, second-hand smoke in motor vehicles can be up to 27 times more concentrated than in your house. There is also research to show that children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and severe asthma.

This would certainly seem to trump the smoker’s right to smoke in their vehicles. Not so says www.mychoice.ca, a non-profit organization funded by the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council. This is a membership-driven association designed to allow Canada’s adult smokers have their say about how smokers are being treated. Their concern is that the government will eventually extend the smoking ban to private homes.

Do you think that it is more important to protect the rights of smokers or the health of children?