Health minister pushes for provincewide smoking ban

Alberta's health minister will ask Tory MLAs Thursday to bring in a provincewide smoking ban in public places, an idea that has been snuffed out in the past.

Dave Hancock will bring the issue to caucus.

"As minister of health, it's my obligation to make sure we discuss and deal with the issues that are important to health," Hancock said Tuesday. "So I have an obligation to bring thisforward and I absolutely believe it's a necessary discussion to have."

While communities such as Lethbridge, Edmonton and Calgary have smoking bans, there are stillmany places in Alberta where smokers can light up in public.

Infrastructure Minister Luke Ouellette, who has been a vocal opponent of a smoking ban, said he is hearing some support for a smoking ban from municipalities.

"They're starting to say 'You know what, it may be a more level playing field or fair if it's the same for everyone.' "

But change doesn't come easily in Alberta. Under former premier Ralph Klein, a longtime smoker, two health ministers failed to bring in a ban.

"Small business really do depend on that income from cigarette sales so my view is either we outlaw completely or we leave things the way it is," said Tory MLA Tony Abbott.

Premier Ed Stelmach, a non-smoker, said he will follow the advice of caucus. A recent and informal poll by the Edmonton Journal showed that at least 36 Tory MLAs support a ban, more than half of the 60-member caucus.

"It will be a full discussion and then we will be able to move in one positive direction once a decision is in place," said Stelmach.

Regardless of what happens Thursday, it's doubtful new legislation will be introduced before the fall, Stelmach said.