Resolution: 2008-03 – Put Children and Families First

Put Children and Families First: Support the Canadian Cancer Society’s Call for  increased tobacco control measures, reduced exposure to environmental carcinogens, protecting youth from excess UV radiation, and reducing  health inequities.

WHEREAS smoking remains the number one preventable cause of death and disease, responsible for 85% of lung cancers, 30% of cancer deaths, and killing up to 6,000 British Columbians each year.

WHEREAS there is a need for more extensive measures to be implemented that reduce British Columbians’ exposure to potential cancer-causing substances that may be contained in commonly used consumer products.

WHEREAS the cosmetic use of pesticides is non-essential, as safe, effective alternatives exist, and has the potential to negatively impact health and the environment.

WHEREAS skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada and, despite 10 years of ‘sun safety’ messages, Canadians’ sun protective behaviours have not changed appreciably.

WHEREAS the rate of poverty in British Columbia has been higher than the Canadian average since the mid-1990s, BC has the highest rate of childhood poverty in the country, and the “rate of premature death among all Canadians could be reduced by 20% if all Canadians were as healthy as the richest 20% of Canadians”.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the PHABC endorses the Canadian Cancer Society’s call to action, and calls on all political parties to make a commitment to:

  • Ban the sales of cigarettes in pharmacies.
  • Ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios and outdoor public places.
  • Increase the price of tobacco taxes.
  • Subsidize Nicotine Replacement Therapies.
  • Implement province-wide cosmetic pesticide legislation.
  • Implement Right to Know (product labeling) legislation.
  • Implement legislation banning those under the age of 18 from using artificial tanning equipment.
  • Implement minimum standards for adequate shade – whether natural or constructed – protection in all child care facilities and schools.
  • Use a whole-of-government approach to reduce barriers between government Ministries and ensure coordinated and integrated healthy public policy.
  • Continue to fund, expand, and implement ActNow BC beyond 2010.
  • Create a strategy where all government ministries have a specific plan in place to support the reduction of health inequities.

Cathy Adair – Sponsor

Sonya Kupka – Sponsor

Dated: October 30, 2008

Download: Put Children and Families First