News Conference
Windsor-Essex County
Health Unit

For More Information, Contact:

Neil Mackenzie, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Manager
(519) 258-2146 ext 3101

Veronique Mandal, Hargreaves Mandal Inc. Advertising and Media Relations
(519) 258-0111

Monday April 24, 2006

For Immediate Release – Windsor-Essex County

Health Unit Launches Smoke Free Campaign – Provides Information to Local Business Owners

DATE:  WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2006
PLACE: Hilton Hotel, Radisson Riverfront Club Room, Second floor
TIME:   9 a.m. – 11 a.m.  (Presentations at 9:30 a.m.)
*Refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.

            Windsor is going smoke free on May 31, 2006. The city will join the rest of Ontario in adopting a comprehensive ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places. To help those involved understand what's expected and how to comply with these changes, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, in partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Business Improvement Association, will hold an information session on Wednesday April 26, 2006. Guest speakers will include Dr. Allen Heimann, Medical Officer of Health; Gary McNamara, Chair of the Windsor Essex County Health Unit; City Councilor, Caroline Postma; business owner Scott Stevens and representatives from the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.

            Information kits will be distributed and Health Unit representatives will be available for questions. The Health Unit will also be unveiling its comprehensive communication campaign, “Smoke Free in W-E.” The Health Unit will also announce its “Trash The Tray” event, which will take place on May 31, 2006 to celebrate the implementation of the Smoke Free Ontario Act.

To view a copy of the Smoke Free Ontario Act and the associated regulations please visit the Ministry of Health Promotion website at www.mhp.gov.on.ca.