Iqaluit (Apr 19/04) - The smoke filter in Iqaluit's Royal Canadian Legion is being removed soon.

That's because the Legion, like every workplace in Nunavut, is going 100 per cent smoke-free on May 1 to comply with strict new Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) regulations.

Grace LoTerzo lights up outside DJ Sensations in Iqaluit. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

Alain Carriere at the WCB laughed when asked about the smoke eater in the Legion. "That will be something to see," Carriere said. "There is enough tar in that to pave the roads of Iqaluit."

The WCB defines tobacco smoke now as a workplace hazard.

The WCB will enforce the ban with safety inspectors who go from site to site on a regular basis.

Under the new rules, employers can be fined up to $5,000 for non-compliance. Workers can see fines up to $500 per occurrence.

David Clark, president and CEO of the WCB, said the dangers surrounding environmental tobacco smoke could not be ignored.

"Months of consultation and review of the potential harm from second-hand smoke have proven that it is harmful to workers," he said. "Banning smoke in the workplace is the right thing to do."

The hospitality industry has been the loudest opponent of the ban, Carriere said.

But the information the WCB has collected suggests business has in some cases increased, especially in restaurants after the smoke ban was put in place.

"Not even smokers care to have smoke going to their tables while they are having food," Carriere said.