CALGARY - Premier Ralph Klein says smoking bans are "useless," advancing the argument on Wednesday that people in provinces with restrictions aren´t healthier than those elsewhere.
Speaking to reporters in Calgary, Klein stood by his refusal last week to enact a provincewide ban on smoking in workplaces, including bars, casinos and bingo halls, saying Albertans choose where they work.
In a statement that infuriated anti-tobacco advocates, Klein said smoking bans aren´t effective, arguing public education and anti-tobacco advertising are better at preventing young people from picking up the habit.
"I don´t know if (bans have) done that much good," said Klein, admitting he smoked four cigarettes on Weedless Wednesday this week. "I was in Ontario and I didn´t see a healthier Ontarian than I saw in Quebec, where they don´t have smoking bans at all."
Klein´s remarks come during national non-smoking week and follow debate over the province´s tobacco policies.
Newly appointed Health Minister Iris Evans said last week she will pursue a reduction or a total ban on smoking in workplaces.
The premier quickly shot down any move towards a universal smoking ban in Alberta and said municipalities must decide for themselves.
On Wednesday, Evans said she still wants to bring in anti-smoking measures and hopes to make caucus "well-informed" on the issues.
"(The premier) said no to a province-wide ban, but within the context of that, I´m hoping there are elements of that we can accelerate," she said.
Anti-tobacco advocates dismissed Klein´s statement that bans don´t work, saying statistics show they are second only to tobacco taxes in reducing smoking rates.
Government critics accused Klein of ignoring the facts.
"I´m both baffled and shocked that there would be such a blatant disregard of all the factual information that is out there on smoking," said Liberal health critic Laurie Blakeman.
She noted a recent "report card" from anti-smoking groups gave Alberta a failing grade on four out of five of the province´s smoking policies.
Klein said bans are also bad for business, arguing the province has to weigh the health risks of smoking against the economic impact.
"It is counterproductive to close (bars, casinos and bingo halls) down," said Klein. "Virtually, that is what will happen."
He told reporters the Royal Canadian Legion in Banff closed because of that municipality´s decision to ban smoking last year.
In fact, the legion in Banff is still open, though staff said asking patrons to butt out hasn´t been easy on older members.
"Business is down," said Karen Stirrett. "But we didn´t close. That´s not true."
Les Hagen of Action on Smoking and Health, said banning smoking in workplaces doesn´t hurt businesses. He noted five provinces and territories have already brought in universal smoking bans. "The only industry that is affected by smoking bans is the tobacco industry," said Hagen.
Klein said addressing the issue of non-smokers who work at bars is a "concern," adding government may have a discussion about how to deal with second-hand smoke.