Smoke-Free Ontario Act draws fire March 2007- The following is a letter from Lois Dent, President of Concerned Friends, to the Hon. Jim Watson, Minister of Health Promotion, on February 23, 2007. Dear Mr. Watson, Several months ago I wrote to you to express my concerns about the impact of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act on some residents in long term-care facilities. I noted that the Act discriminated against the most frail and disabled residents who were not physically or mentally able to smoke independently. I also mentioned our concern that the ban on smoking in long-term care “homes” could result in potentially dangerous situations if residents resorted to smoking surreptitiously. Now the first death resulting from this ill-thought-out legislation has occurred. Not because of a resident smoking illegally, but because of lack of adequate staff supervision. An unfortunate staff person is charged with failing to provide the necessities of life and criminal negligence. Did the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care provide additional staffing to accommodate the needs of smokers when the Smoke–Free Ontario Act came into effect? Did your Ministry give serious consideration to the concerns raised by the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils, family council members, and others, as well as Concerned Friends? I think not. I found your response to my letter to be patronizing at best. Unfortunately, I fear that this death will not be the last that will be linked to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. I implore you to work together with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to make some accommodation so that no more serious incidents or deaths occur. Yours truly, Lois Dent, President, Concerned Friends c: Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care |