Alberta Bylaws
Many municipalities have passed smoke-free bylaws. Unfortunately, the bylaws provide only a patchwork of protection with numerous gaps. Calgary's bylaw, for example, does not include private clubs or workplaces, leaving many workers exposed to second-hand smoke.
100% provincial smoke-free workplace legislation will provide equal protection from second-hand smoke for all Alberta workers.
As of September 2006 only 14% of Alberta municipalities provide Gold standard protection from second-hand smoke; however, these municipalities represent over 34% of the population. As of January 1st, 2008, with Calgary achieving Gold standard (as well as some other municipalities since September 2006) it is anticipated that this will protect approximately 70% of the population to some degree.
Please be aware, workplaces and private clubs are not covered by Calgary's bylaw, even after 2008. Although bylaws provide some level of protection, there are still loopholes that leave people unprotected, especially in the blue collar sector.
Each municipality has their own version of smoke-free bylaws creating a patch work of protection, which also creates an unleveled playing field for many businesses.
