For immediate release:
April 3, 2008

SCOTT’S CONCERNS FOR CHILDREN IGNORED BY
MINSTER OF HEALTH PROMOTION

(Queen’s Park, Toronto)  Ontario was given a shock today when the Minister of Health Promotion refused to answer questions from MPP Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock) concerning school children having access to illegal cigarettes sold on government owned property in Caledonia.

“This is a Minister who has nearly $400 million of taxpayer’s money in her budget to promote the health of Ontarians, yet she can’t stand up and explain why children are able to purchase illegal cigarettes near their own school,” said Scott.  “As the Minister responsible for the health of Ontarians this falls directly under her responsibility, yet she doesn’t even have the courtesy to explain to the parents of these kids why her government is facilitating the sale of untested, hazardous tobacco products to their children.”

Scott pointed to the fact that property owned by the provincial government near downtown Caledonia, is currently the location of an illegal smoke shop selling illegal cigarettes to young people without proper identification.  The location is less than 1200 metres from both a high school and an elementary school.

“This was the first Opposition question the Minister has faced since being elected and she refused to respond.  This is irresponsible and regrettable and hopefully Minister Best is prepared to explain herself to the parents of these young children in Caledonia why, for reasons best known to her, their health and safety is not her priority.”

Scott added, “Silence is simply unacceptable for a Minister charged with the responsibility for the promotion of health, particularly of young children.”

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For more information contact:
Laurie Scott, MPP Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
705-324-6654 or 1-800-424-2490