The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A new study suggests workplace smoking bans like the one in Manitoba yield positive health results for both smokers and non-smokers. Researchers at the University of Toronto say smokers whose workplaces are smoke-free consume an average of five fewer cigarettes each day compared to workers in smoking environments. "Usually, the reason given for banning smoking in the workplace is to benefit non-smokers, and this is a valid and important reason," Dr. Thomas Stephens told the Canadian Press. Dr. Stephens added that smokers who can't light up at work don't generally compensate by smoking more during breaks or after work. Over the course of a year, five less cigarettes each work day translates into approximately 50 fewer packs of cigarettes. Manitoba's public and workplace smoking ban took effect Oct. 1. A similar ban comes into effect in Saskatchewan on Jan. 1.
