(Brampton) - The Region of Peel will encourage the municipalities of Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills to enact more health protective by-laws to restrict smoking in public places. Regional Council's resolution is intended to emphasize the need to create a level playing field for business on the issue of smoking, within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

"Research conducted in municipalities which have already enacted health protective by-laws to restrict smoking, indicates that direct and indirect costs associated with tobacco regulation are minimal," said Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health. "Businesses throughout the GTA have told us they want a level playing field in smoking regulation."

Within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Region of Peel, the municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, as well as York Region and Toronto have joined forces to promote and enact similar smoke-free by-laws. Peel Regional Council would like to see Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills join in and enact similar, smoke-free requirements.

"Owners of restaurants in my Ward have anticipated the changes to the smoke-free by-law, and most have no problem with them," said Regional Councillor, Katie Mahoney. "The concern is that inconsistent tobacco control could have a negative economic effect on businesses, specifically restaurants, which border onto Oakville."

Regional Council's resolution will be forwarded to the municipalities of Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills and the Region of Halton. For more information on smoke-free by-laws in Peel, visit our Web site www.smokefree-peelregion.ca.