OPINION Efforts applauded to keep kids from lighting up

We strongly support the efforts of Halton's Regional Health Department to provide a deterrent to retailers who illegally provide cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. The health department recently began posting information online about retailers who have been caught and convicted of selling cigarettes to young people-- in direct contravention of the Tobacco Control Act. Convictions from the last six months can be found on the website www.halton.ca./health/programs/tobacco/offenc e_report_ TCA.htm. "The posting of this information on Halton's website is part of a comprehensive strategy intended to deter retailers from selling tobacco to kids," said Halton's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal. Slowly, but steadily, society has taken a strong stance against smoking in public places. We should be equally diligent to put an end to young people obtaining the very product that could kill them. More good news related to cigarette sales to our young people is on the horizon. Under the new Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which comes into effect on May 31, cigarette retailers can expect to face up to four compliance checks each year-- twice as many as in 2005. The new legislation also effectively bans smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces, and toughens the rules prohibiting the selling of tobacco to minors. Hopefully these news laws will help all Ontario residents to breathe a little easier.