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Letters November, 2001
Written by: Carmela Graziani, Bay Ward, Ottawa
PUBCO’s latest study can mean only two things: PUBCO’s former smoking customers show no loyalty, and PUBCO establishments drive people away. Many people work in office buildings, eat out, go to the movies, play bingo, and manage to go outside for their nicotine fix. Why couldn’t PUBCO’s former customers do the same? Also, PUBCO establishments never welcomed non-smokers. They slammed the doors in non-smokers’ faces. Now they complain that non-smokers refuse to patronize them. Would you want a host to treat you this way? PUBCO’s survey is not scientific. They polled a paltry five per cent of all pubs and bars in Ottawa, then "extrapolated" (i.e: guessed at) the supposed financial devastation among all of these businesses. Were are the survey questions? What is the rate of accuracy for PUBCO’s statistics (i.e.: this poll is accurate within plus or minus x percentage points 19 times out of 20)? PUBCO even dismisses the economic impact of the plunging Canadian dollar, the recession, the economic effects of terrorism, and the meltdown of Ottawa’s high tech sector. For truly scientific data, City Council need only refer to the stacks of studies and reports which respected members of Canada’s medical, scientific, and engineering communities presented to city council’s health committee in April 2001. They clearly explained that second-hand smoke kills, and that ventilation technology does not effectively remove all of the toxins in second-hand smoke. Community groups worked hard over the past 23 years for 100% smoke-free by-laws to protect workers and the public from exposure to deadly tobacco smoke. While non-PUBCO establishments comply with the by-laws and reap the financial and health benefits, PUBCO members dig themselves a deeper grave. I am grateful that Ottawa has such a compassionate and caring Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Robert Cushman treated asthma patients as an emergency room physician. He understands the devastating effects of second-hand smoke on asthmatics like me. Dr. Cushman has the strength and the courage to stand up to the machinations of the tobacco industry in Ottawa (i.e. PUBCO). In so doing, he is helping to extend my life span, spare me immeasurable pain and suffering, and prevent complications that arise from poor lung function and the nasty side effects of asthma drugs. Dr. Cushman’s tireless efforts keep me active in my community and out of the emergency room. Because we are all vulnerable to the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke, our Medical Officer of Health and our City Council share the greatest responsibility in Ottawa: protecting the health and safety of all citizens. Dr. Cushman fulfilled his responsibility by recommending 100% smoke-free by-laws for all public places and workplaces. City Council fulfilled its responsibility by enacting 100% smoke-free by-laws. I urge all members of City Council to continue supporting the by-laws; to support our Medical Officer of Health as our city adapts to the smoke-free by-laws; and to refuse to let the tobacco industry, disguised as PUBCO, dictate public health policy in our city. Sincerely, Carmela Graziani
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