TORONTO, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Canada's Ontario province is considering Canada's most comprehensive anti-tobacco law, banning smoking in all workplaces and indoor public areas.
Several Canadian provinces already have smoking bans, but Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman's proposed act appears the most sweeping.
"Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke is the No. 1 preventable killer in Ontario today," Smitherman said. "The legislation we are introducing today ... will attack the chief cause of death and disease in this province."
If approved, the ban would become effective May 31, 2006.
The bill would signal the end of designated smoking rooms in Ontario, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. Currently, bars and restaurants can allow smoking in separate rooms with separate ventilation systems.
Tavern owners and restaurateurs say they will oppose the legislation.
