Response from the BC Liberal Party

1.  If elected, will your party implement legislation to ban smoking on bar and restaurant patios?  And, if elected, will your party implement legislation to ban smoking in other outdoor places, including the seating areas of sports arenas and stadiums, and in parks, on playgrounds and on beaches?

In March 2008, the BC Liberal government brought into force new regulations under the Tobacco Control Act that banned smoking in all indoor public spaces and work places; smoking within three metres of most public and workplace doorways, open windows or air intakes; and, tobacco sales in public buildings including hospitals and health facilities, universities and colleges, athletic and recreational facilities and provincial government buildings. These regulations are a baseline that landlords, business, municipalities and health authorities can exceed to fit the needs of their community, clients and populations. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to identify areas where legislation and regulation can be strengthened.

3.  If elected, will your party implement legislation to stop the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies?

The BC Liberal government has been recognized by the Lung Association as having some of the strongest tobacco control legislation in the country. Pharmacists have the education and experience to provide advice to British Columbians about the dangers of tobacco use. At this point, we don’t believe that we should distinguish a particular category of retailers.

4.  If elected, will your party increase the price of tobacco taxes in next year’s budget?  And, if elected, will your party eliminate the roll-your-own tobacco tax loophole?

The BC Liberal government has repeatedly raised the tax on tobacco to discourage smoking – and we raised it again in this year’s budget. Effective February 18, 2009, the tax rate increased from $35.80 to $37.00 per carton of 200 cigarettes, and from 17.9¢ to 18.59¢ per gram on loose tobacco. We will continue to review our tax rates with every provincial budget and welcome suggestions from our healthy living partners.

5.  If elected, will your party ban, the sale, use and application of pesticides on private lawns and gardens as well as public parks, and recreational facilities for cosmetic purposes? 

We are always prepared to look at any proposals that aim to reduce the risks of cancer. With respect to this particular idea, the Minister of Environment has been on the record stating that he has directed his ministry to prepare an options paper to examine the basis for this proposal and potential actions. We have requested that Health Canada, the responsible agent, review whether the use of herbicide fertilizer lawn products should be discontinued. Additionally, in 2005, we enacted the new Integrated Pest Management Act that for the first time in BC requires notification and consent from individuals before pesticides can be used around their property.

The BC Liberal government will continue to work with Health Canada to ensure that British Columbians enjoy safe and healthy surroundings.

6.  If elected, will your party implement Right to Know (product labelling) Legislation?

Product Labelling is the responsibility of the federal government under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act. It is difficult for any individual province to implement a mandatory labelling scheme. Both the cost and the small market size are prohibitive.  The federal government is best equipped to review labelling from a national perspective.

7.  If elected, will your party implement legislation banning those under the age of 18 from using artificial tanning equipment?

British Columbia has a regulatory and policy framework that discourages the use of tanning salons by minors. Canada's largest chain of tanning salons has restricted tanning in youth under 18 years of age unless parental consent is given. A BC Liberal government would continue to work with stakeholders to find the balance between personal choice and government restriction for our youth.

We believe that education and prevention remain the best way to avoid illness and disease. Through government investment in programs, like ActNow BC, that promote healthy living and healthy choices, we will improve the health of our entire population.

8.  If elected, will your party implement minimum standards for adequate shade – whether natural or constructed - protection in all child care facilities and schools?

The BC Liberal government is committed to safe and healthy schools and child care facilities.  Boards of Education are responsible for the safety and well-being of children on school grounds and in school facilities. Boards take this responsibility seriously and are committed to ensuring that student health and safety comes first.

Through the $13 million Trees for Tomorrow initiative, the Province is working to plant millions of trees across BC schoolyards. The planting of new trees will not only provide natural shade, but also help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

9.  If elected, will your party use a whole-of-government approach to reduce barriers between government ministries and ensure coordinated and integrated healthy public policy?

The BC Liberal government is committed to a whole-systems and whole-government approach. This is evidenced in the work we have done through ActNow BC as well as the First Nations Health Plan and the 10-Year Mental Health and Substance Use Plan.

The First Nations Health Plan is a collaborative effort by all levels of government to close the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians.  Additionally, the BC Liberal government is currently conducting broad stakeholder consultation on the new 10 Year Mental Health and Substance Use Plan. The Plan is a partnership between the ministries of Health Services and Health Living and Sport, six health authorities, 11 partner ministries and the research community. It also involves Aboriginal communities and their leadership.

We will continue to build on these strategies, breaking down silos and approaching health policy using an integrated, collaborative approach.

10.  If elected, will your party create a strategy where all government ministries have a specific plan in place to support the reduction of health inequities?

The BC Liberal government has a strategy to address health inequalities.

In 2003 we brought in Fair Pharmacare to focus resources on those most in need, particularly low-income seniors and families. Now 300,000 more families receive support.

Education spending (K-12) is at record high spending - nearly $5.8 billion - a 34% increase since 2000/01, despite declining enrolment of nearly 53,000 students over the same period.

And we’re investing $43 million to establish 400 StrongStart BC centres across the province by 2010.  StrongStart BC is a free drop-in early learning program for pre-school aged children that helps families and children get ready for exceptional educational experiences.

In addition, the BC Liberal government will spend more than $469 million on social housing this year, the highest amount in the province’s history.  More than 85,000 British Columbians will receive help with their housing costs.

We have eliminated provincial income taxes altogether for anyone earning under $17,775 – a major benefit.  It means 250,000 additional citizens with the lowest incomes pay zero in provincial income tax.

And the Climate Action Credit provides lower-income British Columbians a payment of $100 per adult and $30 per child per year. This will rise to $105 per adult on July 5, 2009.

If elected, the BC Liberals will continue to build on this record, reducing health inequities and ensuring that opportunities exist for employment, housing, education and early child development.