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Letters December, 2001
Dear Mayor Chiarelli:
Subject: SMOKE-FREE OTTAWA
I just wanted to congratulate you and your colleagues for your efforts
in
making Ottawa smoke-free. I work as a health professional (Registered
Massage Therapist) in a medical building in downtown Ottawa, and
although
we
never allowed smoking in our clinic, we often would get second-hand
smoke
coming through the ventilation shafts in the building. This was very
distressing as a lot of our patients are environmentally sensitive, and
we
could not locate the source of the smoke. To make matters worse, our
building superintendent (a smoker himself) was not very sympathetic.
I also had reluctantly stopped going to bars and clubs because of the
second-hand smoke. When I previously had, my eyes would itch, my throat
would be sore for a day or two after, and my clothes and hair would
simply
reek. Furthermore, I was worried about the health risks of second-hand
smoke. This really seemed unfair to me that if I wanted to enjoy a bar
or
club atmosphere, I would have to put up with this unhealthy
environment.
Itıs not like we have a choice to stop breathing for an evening. I live
a
very healthy lifestyle. I try to eat right, exercise three times a
week,
so
why should I have to endure cigarette smoke if I want to exercise by
dancing
in a nightclub? It makes no sense.
Now I am pleased to say I can again enjoy this form of recreational
activity
without fear for my health and more importantly, my patients and I can
work/get therapy in an environment that is completely smoke-free.
These are only some of the reasons why I urge you to not to bow to PUBCO
pressure (the Pubs and Bars Coalition of Ontario) to weaken the by-laws
in
any way, and I count on you to continue your support to safeguard a
smoke-free Ottawa. Our health depends on it.
Sincerely,
Paul Lafleur, BSc, RMT
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