While Alberta tries to figure out how to handle the Federal Legalization of Marijuana, the Campaign for a Smoke Free Alberta is saying hold on.

The group stood in front of the Legislature building on Monday (June 26th) to push the Government to implement a bill that was greatly supported in 2013.

"The strict regulation of cannabis is important," said Angeline Webb with the Canadian Cancer Society. "However, tobacco legislation should not take a back seat to cannabis regulation, especially since tobacco kills 37 times more Canadians than cannabis."

Webb says the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act aims to further prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors including flavoured water pipe tobacco. Webb goes on to say that it's the overall safety of Alberta youth that's prompting them to push further.

"We want to make sure that people aren't exposed to second hand smoke," said Webb. "The most important piece is about renormalization of smoking behaviours."

The campaign is hopeful that all Albertans will get on board to help make these regulations law.

"We're asking people to go to our site called ProtectAlbertaKids.ca and sign our petition to encourage MLA's to move forward with full proclamation of the TSRA."

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com