Calgary's Smoking By-Law

[Red Mile Style]

Originally Posted by Log

We've been smoke free in SK for a couple years now.... As a non-smoker, I love it!!!

Yeah, Sask is awesome!

Go Riders!

[Yellefan]

Emailed both my alderman and the mayor (themayor@calgary.ca)-- here's my message:

I would like to express my support for Ald. Colley-Urquhart, et al.'s Notice of Motion to amend Calgary's Smoking Bylaw 00M92 to make all public places smoke-free by January 1, 2007. This is an important health issue for all Calgarians that, by all counts, has overwhelming public support. As my elected representative in Calgary, I would ask that you please consider giving your support to this amendment in Council.

[Mccree]

Originally Posted by habernac

same here.

Me Three. She is useless

[Dang]

I emailed Gord Lowe through the calgary.ca website as well as directly to him via his email: gordlowe@gordlowe.org. You guys might want to try to email him there as well. Maybe he'll get it directly there. Let's make sure they pass this motion.

[calf]

My reply from Gord Lowe:

2006 July 12




Thank you for your note concerning the smoking by-law and the Notice of Motion coming forward to Council.

I will not support the Notice of Motion - for the following reasons:

§ The by-law adopted by Council in 2001 was constructed after careful and thorough consultation with a very large group of stakeholders in the issue. This included among others, health professionals, anti smoking advocates, personal choice advocates, community associations, gaming associations and the restaurant and beverage industry. The result was the bylaw now in effect, including a "smoke free" date of January 1, 2008 - a date clearly understood by all as being "set in stone", in other words there would be no extension beyond that date.

§ As a result of the bylaw, business decisions and investments were made - in both directions. Some locations and businesses adopted a smoke free policy. Others adopted a smoking permitted policy - recognizing they were limiting not only their clientele, but also who could be hired as staff - no person under the age of 18 years. A few locations decided to invest in separately ventilated "smoking permitted" rooms within their premises - knowing full well those rooms would be subject to the smoke free requirement on January 1, 2008.

§ Until earlier this year, the Province of Alberta, who should be taking the lead in this matter, remained silent on the issue, then adopted a modified version of the Calgary by-law as provincial legislation. It's interesting to note that in the case of both Ontario and Quebec, the decisions to go "smoke free" were Provincial initiatives, and both were blunt in their application and included costly "smoke police" to ensure implementation.

This has been my position consistently since 2001 and I cannot find sufficient reason to arbitrarily alter the arrangement made with all stakeholders after consultation at that time, a decision on which many, including the City of Calgary have based business and financial decisions.

Yours truly,

Although I see his points, I still don't like it. This looks to be a standard letter sent to everyone e-mailing him, meaning he's probably been bombarded with e-mails supporting moving the smoke-free date. While looking at all the stakeholders is a good thing, I think he should also consider that he's elected, and should take into account what his constituants want...I'm not sure if I can find sufficient reason to vote for him next election...

[Bobblehead]

I understand his points. They are valid. I just believe the city has changed since 2001. On his basis, the Flames should still be making decisions based on if they could sign Val Bure.

The stakeholder attitudes have changed in the last 5 years. The ones who scream if the date is moved are the same ones who are going to petition to delay the deadline next year. It's like taking off a bandaid; it's coming off, its probably better to do it quickly.

I wonder what sort of a letter you would get if someone sent an initial message the countered all the points he would make in his boilerplate response?

(and no response from Laroque)

[jolinar of malkshor]

I find it interesting that he is trying to pass the buck off to the province. Basically he is saying the province should have came in with strict legislation but didn't so I don't want to get into the middle of it.

[EVERLAST]

Yep...tired Of Smelling Like Ass

[Ace]

Dear Gord Lowe,

Thank you for your mass response to the issue at hand. Please review my comments below and reconsider your position.

Thank you for your note concerning the smoking by-law and the Notice of Motion coming forward to Council.

I will not support the Notice of Motion - for the following reasons:

§ The by-law adopted by Council in 2001 was constructed after careful and thorough consultation with a very large group of stakeholders in the issue. This included among others, health professionals, anti smoking advocates, personal choice advocates, community associations, gaming associations and the restaurant and beverage industry. The result was the bylaw now in effect, including a "smoke free" date of January 1, 2008 - a date clearly understood by all as being "set in stone", in other words there would be no extension beyond that date.

2001 was a long time ago, we now have a better understanding of the effects of the smoking ban in other major jurisdictions, and enough evidence to realize that cries from the business community are completely unfounded when considering loss of business. We are falling way behind on this issue when compared to other major jurisdictions, and the time is now to revisit the issue with current data and evidence. Please do not hide behind a decision made 5 YEARS ago.

§ As a result of the bylaw, business decisions and investments were made - in both directions. Some locations and businesses adopted a smoke free policy. Others adopted a smoking permitted policy - recognizing they were limiting not only their clientele, but also who could be hired as staff - no person under the age of 18 years. A few locations decided to invest in separately ventilated "smoking permitted" rooms within their premises - knowing full well those rooms would be subject to the smoke free requirement on January 1, 2008.

This is a very minor concern, effecting only a handful of businesses that "invested" into private smoking rooms. A simple amendment could be given to allow those businesses, that can prove that they invested the funds to create a separate ventilated room, til' 2008 to comply with the by-law. Alternatively, knowing it's a small handful of businesses that did this, it would be more profitable for the city to compensate business owners (who built the rooms) for an amortized cost of shutting the rooms down early. Finally the business community has to listen to the will of the people, which appears to overwhelmingly support a ban as soon as possible.

§ Until earlier this year, the Province of Alberta, who should be taking the lead in this matter, remained silent on the issue, then adopted a modified version of the Calgary by-law as provincial legislation. It's interesting to note that in the case of both Ontario and Quebec, the decisions to go "smoke free" were Provincial initiatives, and both were blunt in their application and included costly "smoke police" to ensure implementation.

I'm sorry, this comment is really bothersome. Please do not use other levels of government as a cop-out, when you have the complete authority to make our city a better place.

This has been my position consistently since 2001 and I cannot find sufficient reason to arbitrarily alter the arrangement made with all stakeholders after consultation at that time, a decision on which many, including the City of Calgary have based business and financial decisions.

Peoples mentalities on the issue are ever changing, it is not good enough for you to say that because in 2001 you thought it was the right thing, that the same should still be true today. A basic history lesson can show many examples of governments taking positions years ago, which would no longer be proper in the current day. Please at the very least listen to your constituents, and not to business leaders who did not elect you into power.

[Regehr 2.0]

Nice counterpoints Ace. I just sent an email to Gord Lowe as well. I'll probably just receive his standard response though...

Don't the opinions of constituents matter anymore? You'd think the Aldermen would at least reconsider their opinion on an issue given enough support in their Ward.

[Nehkara]

Done.

[Cheese]

Been banned here for a long time and it hasnt hurt any business I can see...as a matter of fact I think theres more people in the restaraunts and places smoking used to take place. Dance clubs still seem to be packed, and I haventy heard any outcry from the students or youth that attend clubs at all. No smoking on Patios here either....and quite frankly there shouldnt be...the Patio is still part of that local establishment and is used by non smokers.
The easiest thing to do is QUIT smoking.
This is a no brainer and Calgary should be ashamed its so far behind on an issue that is so important to peoples health.

[Engine09]

This is a no brainer and Calgary should be ashamed its so far behind on an issue that is so important to peoples health.

That sentence sums it all up.

Wow, check out the results of our liottle poll;


Yup 104 84.55%
Naw 19 15.45%

[Eagle Eye]

^ check out this poll on Diane Colley-Urquhart's website

www.aldermandiane.ca

It is at 96% Yes and 4% no (dont know the numbers of voters though)

[Engine09]

That's crazy. Now how about giving the people what they want.

[Neeper]

Here are the direct emails for the Aldermans. I also have not heard back from my alderman, Larocque. What can one do to make her swing her vote?

Ward 1
Alderman Dale Hodges
dale.hodges@calgary.ca
Ward 2
Alderman Gord Lowe
gord.lowe@calgary.ca
Ward 3
Alderman Helen Larocque
helene.larocque@calgary.ca
Ward 4
Alderman Bob Hawkesworth
bob.hawkesworth@calgary.ca
Ward 5
Alderman Ray Jones
ray.jones@calgary.ca
Ward 6
Alderman Craig Burrows
craig.burrows@calgary.ca
Ward 7
Alderman Druh Farrell
druh.farrell@calgary.ca
Ward 8
Alderman Madeleine King
madeleine.king@calgary.ca
Ward 9
Alderman Joe Ceci
joe.ceci@calgary.ca
Ward 10
Alderman Andre Chabot
andre.chabot@calgary.ca
Ward 11
Alderman Barry Erskine
barry.erskine@calgary.ca
Ward 12
Alderman Ric McIver
ric.mciver@calgary.ca
Ward 13
Alderman Diane Colley-Urquhart
diane.colley-urquhart@calgary.ca
Ward 14
Alderman Linda Fox-Mellway
linda.foxmellway@calgary.ca

[Reaper]

I was just reading the pdf filled with comments regarding the issue on my Alderman's web site and they quoted me. That was neato but I can't believe in this day and age that there are people who still claim that a smoking ban in public places infringes on their right to smoke. No one is saying that smokers can't smoke. We are simply saying that if you're going to kill yourself don't do it in a way to take anyone else with you. Geez, you can't smoke in Hospitals or government buildings why do smokers feel they should have the right to be able to smoke in restaurants (other than the obvious selfish reasons)?

[Nehkara]

I got a favourable response to my email to Alderman Bob Hawkesworth. It is obvious that it is the Alderman himself replying.


My email:

Dear Alderman Bob Hawkesworth,

Hello, I met you about 4 or 5 years ago at my high school during our mock parliament. I was impressed and have liked you ever since.

Now, I hear there is going to be a motion in the city council for the smoking bylaw to moved up so it comes into effect on January 1, 2007. I would be happy to hear you vote in favour of this motion as it is an issue important to me.

It would be nice to go to a pub, bar, and especially for me, sports bar without feeling like every breath is bringing me that much closer to my grave. Not only that but I, like many people, am irritated by dry eyes, irritated sinuses, sore throat, and horrible smelling clothes during and after exposure to concentrated second-hand smoke.

I also work at a hospital. I type reports for radiologists and it makes we wish every day that fewer people could be exposed to cigarette smoke because it is painfully obvious that it is dangerous and fatal.

Thank you for your time and I hope to hear that the motion passes next week with your vote.

Sincerely,

Eric

Response:

Dear Eric:

Thank you for your email. I have very fond memories of my experiences at High School Model Parliament. Thank you for your kind words about that.

I am one of the members of City Council that is sponsoring this notice of motion to make Calgary smoke free prior to 2008. So yes, I intend to support the motion when it comes to Council on Monday. Thank you for your words of encouragement! I also appreciated your words of insight based on the work you are currently doing.

Bob Hawkesworth

[Engine09]

Another response;

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with the Ward 6
office. Please be advised that Alderman Burrows appreciates your
support, and is currently lobbying for the final vote needed. He would
like to see the smoking ban in place as soon as possible.

Regards,


Karen McKay

Community Liaison

Ward 6

[Antithesis]

Originally Posted by Cheese

This is a no brainer and Calgary should be ashamed its so far behind on an issue that is so important to peoples health.

Cheese, I couldn't agree with you more here. It's amazing to me that this vote won't be unanimous. Here's hoping the right side in the debate wins, though.