For immediate release:
May 15, 2008

Barrett raises questions about smoking in cars

Queen's Park -- Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett feels Bill 69 – An Act to Protect Children from Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke in Motor Vehicles -- is partly an example of show and sham politics by the provincial Liberals.

"These initiatives look good on paper and make for great sound bites but they accomplish little," Barrett said following debate on Bill 69. "We see a growing trend with this government to introduce legislation based on emotion rather than research or good public policy."

During debate Barrett questioned the objective of the legislation:

"What will be monitored? How will this initiative be evaluated with respect to any success or failure? How will this be enforced? Is this a law that we don't need? Will the parents who are doing this respect this particular law? In the end will it solve the problem?"

Barrett went on to ask if future legislation will target parents who smoke in apartments, condominiums and homes while children are present.

"Where does the realm of parental responsibility lie with this present Ontario government?"

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For more information please contact
MPP Toby Barrett at 1-800-903-8629