Response from the BC NDP


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? British Columbia’s municipalities and regional districts have been leading the way in banning smoking in outdoor places. We support local governments having jurisdiction and taking action on this issue and will consult with them in the future about how best to protect British Columbians from the effects of second-hand smoke.

2. If elected, will your party subsidize Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) for all British Columbians who choose to quit smoking? And, if elected, will your party subsidize pharmacotherapy for all British Columbians who choose to quit smoking? The NDP platform commits to pilot programs to provide free access to nicotine replacement therapies, starting with British Columbians receiving premium assistance under the province’s Medical Services Plan.

3. If elected, will your party implement legislation to stop the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies? Yes. In 2006 the NDP introduced a Private Members’ Bill to ban the sale of tobacco in pharmacies and will do so if introduced.

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 NDP platform does not commit to increasing tobacco taxes at this time although it is a measure that would be considered in future budget years after thorough analysis of its impact on reducing tobacco use.

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? Yes. The NDP will end the sale of pesticides for residential and cosmetic use to help protect public health,safety and the environment, following the lead of 17 municipalities and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and PEI. This approach is not intended for the agricultural sector which is separately regulated; golf course use will be specifically addressed.

6. If elected, will your party implement Right to Know (product labelling) Legislation? Yes. The NDP introduced a Private Members’ Bill, the Right to Know Act, 2007, that requires suppliers and producers to warn consumers if their products expose them to recognized toxic substances or to genetically engineered foods. This includes using hazard labels that clearly identify carcinogens,reproductive and developmental toxins, hormone disruptors, mutagens and sensitizers with a clear signal.

7. If elected, will your party implement legislation banning those under the age of 18 from using artificial tanning equipment? The NDP will work with the Canadian Cancer Society and other concerned stakeholders to raise awareness about the harmful health effects of ultraviolet radiation and to promote sun safe behaviours. This will include greater efforts to protect children, and consideration will be given to a range of tools, including legislation.

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 NDP will work with the Canadian Cancer Society and other concerned stakeholders to raise awareness about the harmful health effects of ultraviolet radiation and to promote sun safe behaviours. This will include greater efforts to protect children, and consideration will be given to a range of tools, including legislation.

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? Yes. The NDP will work to ensure that communication between all government ministries is open and clear and that our initiatives are coordinated so that patients in our healthcare system receive the best possible treatment. In particular, government ministries related to health, such as the Ministry of Health Services, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport need to actively improve their communication and coordinate their initiatives to ensure an integrated approach to health.

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 NDP’s platform clearly addresses the social determinants of health inequities. We will create a poverty reduction plan with targets and timelines that will integrate the various programs across all ministries. We will raise the minimum wage, support jobs and skills training, increase affordable housing, improve income assistance, and increase investments in education and healthcare, all part of a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing the income gap in British Columbia.

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Response from the BC NDP