Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 31/99) - City councillors had tough questions for Rob Cunningham at the Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee meeting, Monday.

But the Canadian Cancer Society senior policy analyst, who was in town March 29 and 30, didn't field any questions he hadn't heard before.

In Canada, 10 municipalities have successfully implemented comprehensive smoking bylaw legislation. Cunningham was involved with most of them.

"Many of the issues raised today by councillors are issues similar to those raised elsewhere. There's an answer for every question," Cunningham said after the meeting.

"The responses I provided were based on what's occurred elsewhere. The trend is leaning towards strong smoking bylaws across North America."

Councillor Bob Brooks brought up his concerns about the effects strict smoking legislation may have on businesses and tourism. He's also worried about strengthening Yellowknife's current bylaw too much and too fast.

"My concern is if that happens, the whole thing will get thrown out. From where we are now, I don't think we should go to an all out ban," Brooks said.

Councillor Cheryl Best asked Cunningham to provide council with a list of municipalities who had smoking bylaws. She also asked for an executive summary of each, stating the degree to which smoking is banned in restaurants, work and public places.

Cunningham said he'd provide the information.

"The (banning of smoking) trend is accelerating as city councils see how other municipal smoking bylaw initiatives have been successfully implemented," Cunningham said.

"The trend results from a growing awareness of the negative effects of second hand smoke, the need to protect children and the decreasing social acceptability of smoking."

Regional health promotion officer, Miriam Wideman, was pleased council heard Cunningham's presentation.

"Our hope is that the administration proposal for updating the bylaw, including banning smoking in workplaces and restaurants, is adopted in its entirety," Wideman said.

Department of Health and Social Services health promotion consultant, Rick Tremblay, was at the meeting. He felt city council is a long way from settling on what form the bylaw should take.

"It would appear there's going to be serious debate in council on the proposed changes to the bylaw," Tremblay said.