Health or habit?

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

I was shocked when I heard the result of the vote by Iqaluit city council during second reading of the no-smoking bylaw.

Just how much “homework” does council need to do before they are prepared to protect the health of children? Do adults enjoy their cigarette and coffee so much that they refuse to protect the health of the children?

Which is more important — health or habit?

These reasons — or excuses — expressed by certain council members do not hold water. Our number one priority should be the health of children — not the promotion or maintenance of unhealthy habits.

I applaud the Caribrew Café for taking a stand against smoking in public places without having to be pressured by a bylaw.

Did sales suffer from it? Of course not. Many people have accepted that smoking is no longer permitted in workplaces, stores, hospitals, airports, and many other public places. Many people do not even smoke in their own homes, so that the health of their children is not compromised.

So why does our city council seem to think that people need “more time to adjust” to the idea of not having cigarettes with their coffee?

If most major cities across Canada and the United States can impose a no-smoking bylaw on public establishments without the fear of lost revenue or public demonstrations, then tell me what is wrong with the city council of Iqaluit.

Let’s get serious about protecting the future and the health of the next generation. All council members should have enough backbone and the conviction to stand up and do what is right — vote for no-smoking in public places.

Theresa Rodrigue
Iqaluit

Share This Story

(0) Comments