The Middlesex-London Health Unit and its One Life One You youth advocacy group will celebrate World No Tobacco Day by marking the 10th anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act with a party in London’s St. Julien Park next Tuesday. Since being enacted into law, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act has significantly reduced exposure to second-hand smoke, the influence of tobacco company marketing strategies and the occurrences of tobacco use which can cause young people to start smoking.

When it first came into effect on May 31st, 2006, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibited smoking in all workplaces and imposed new restrictions on the retail promotion of tobacco products and eventually a complete display ban in 2008. Today the legislation includes banning smoking in personal vehicles when children are present and in outdoor public spaces including sportsfields, playgrounds, bar and restaurant patios and many outdoor events and festivals.

During the celebration, the Health Unit will present its first Tobacco-Free Public Health Champions awards in recognition of significant contributions made by individuals, organizations and municipalities in the local and regional effort to reduce tobacco use.

What:
Celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act including the presentation of the first Tobacco-Free Public Health Champion awards.

Who:
- Members of The One Life One You youth group
- Tobacco-Free Public Health Champion award winners
- Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO

When:
Tuesday, May 31st, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where:
St. Julien Park, 15 Tommy Hunter Way, London, Ontario

Media Contact:

Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext.2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)