The Voice of Tobacco Country Deserves to be Heard

"This is my business. I own the property. Why do I have to tell a customer to take a cigarette out of his mouth before I sell him equipment for his tobacco farm?"

As MPP for tobacco country I hear time and time again the frustration local people have with aspects of the Tobacco Control Act . Many area businesses and municipalities want the decision to smoke or not left up to adults - not politicians. More specifically, some businesses want the choice of NOT posting 'NO SMOKING' signs.

I believe that the voice of tobacco country is one that deserves to be heard in the Ontario Legislature - although sometimes it is difficult to argue in favour of tobacco production to MPP's and people from other parts of Ontario.   I believe that farmers in this area have a right to be represented even if they are considered a small group swimming upstream.

As MPP, I represent all of us.   Smoking is an informed personal decision. An agenda for tobacco should be an agenda for all people-- not just anti-tobacco activists. Most issues are better left up to the decision-making skills of individuals, families, and the market place.

Legislators have a duty to protect society, not meddle in people's social and economic lives.

The public forum on tobacco issues held in Delhi was a great follow-up to gatherings held over the winter at farm kitchen tables and in the Township of Norfolk offices - meetings led by John Varga and the Citizens for Rights and Freedoms.

I appreciate all the advice received on how best to proceed regarding tobacco issues.   I hope to introduce a private member's bill in the fall, proposing amendments to the Tobacco Control Act.   The input of thousands of farmers, businesspeople, and residents of the area has been critical in setting this course of action.  

The amended bill could follow resolutions of local councils as well as the tobacco petition, which stated "within the tobacco producing counties of Brant, Elgin, Oxford, and the riding of Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, policing of the regulated 'no smoking' protocol be left up to the municipalities to enforce as they see fit and the privately owned businesses who produce or process tobacco and/or whose businesses service or supply the tobacco industry, and reside within the designated regions be exempt from the posting of the regulated 'NO SMOKING' sign."

Canada, like many jurisdictions, has measures in place to restrict smoking.   These include high tobacco taxes, public education about the dangers of smoking, and the prevention of nuisance to non-smokers. The foundation of tolerance is that governments should not invade the personal privacy of citizens, even for the benefit of those affected.   Smokers know the dangers of using tobacco and are willing to take that risk

There are many hazards which people accept every day that are as dangerous as, or more so, than smoking.   It is a risk-for-pleasure trade, much the same as drinking alcohol, driving a motorcycle, or eating high fat food.   As long as government, and the manufacturer, publicizes a product's dangers, the public has every right to use the product, knowing that the product could affect their health.

Big government and big bureaucracy carry a big price tag - not only big taxes but also a big accumulation of frustrating rules, regulations, and red tape.