The petition
Although Ontario now has excellent non-smoking legislation for public spaces and workplaces, as well as nursing homes and hospitals, we desperately need similar legislation for seniors' apartment buildings, particularly those with assisted living services. Seniors who require assisted living are frail and usually have at least one serious health concern, therefore they need an environment to assist them to heal, or at least maintain their current level of health. This is impossible in buildings where smoking is allowed and second hand smoke (along with the various accompanying poisons) seeps into every apartment. Second hand smoke is known to not only cause cancer and affect our breathing, but worsen heart problems, diabetes and other aging health concerns. The added costs to our health system are enormous.
Approximately one quarter of Canadians smoke now, but only 12% of seniors do so. There is absolutely no reason why nearly 90% of seniors should be subjected to this attack on our health and quality of life in later years. We deserve better. But, unlike Ontario homeowners who no longer have to deal with smoke again if they wish, seniors in apartments don't have a choice. And we're dying because of it.
We want the Province of Ontario to enact legislation immediately to stop this cruel injustice to the people who have worked so hard to make Ontario what it is today.
We are calling on all health advocates, advocates for the elderly, non-smoking organizations and interested individuals to help us. We want to enjoy the time left to us in the healthiest state possible and for as long as possible! Please sign the petition now. Thank you.
Sign the petition
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