May 2015 Update10.Pdf

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More bans on flavoured tobacco News Kevin Newman CTV National 11PM Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://www.ctvnews.ca/ctv-national-news

The Alberta government is joining provinces that are banning the sale of menthol tobacco. Health Minister Sarah Hoffman says stores will be allowed to sell menthol flavoured tobacco until the end of September in order to clear their stock, but after that it will be illegal. The Western Convenience Stores Association said in a news release Sunday that small business owners were not consulted about the menthol ban, which it argues will lead to a black market. "This decision is like putting a welcome mat out for biker gangs and criminal organizations at Alberta's borders," said the association's president, Andrew Klukas, in the release. But Action on Smoking and Health, an anti-tobacco group in Alberta, applauded the new government for resisting pressure from what it called "tobacco lobbyists."(CSFA)

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Cracking down on menthol cigarettes News Randene Neill Global National 5:30PM/globalnational.com Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://globalnews.ca/national/program/global-national

Two Canadian provinces are making history today to try to reduce smoking in Canada . Nova Scotia is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to ban menthol cigarettes beginning today . Alberta also announcing that it will be pulling them of shelf's this fall. "Now that it will no longer be an option, I am really hoping that this will steer youth away from future tobacco use." Brooklyn Trimble. "The most important thing is that we protect the health of Albertans and in particular of our youth." Sarah Hoffman, Health Minister. (CSFA)

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UPDATED: Menthol tobacco ban announced by Alberta government Article Unknown cbc.ca, CBC Edmonton 11PM, Calgary 11PM, Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/menthol-tobacco-ban-announced-by-alberta- government-1.3094684 Alberta will ban all menthol tobacco products in the fall, part of a larger effort to eliminate flavoured products that it says are meant to get youth hooked on smoking. "I think we can all agree that we don't want young people to start using tobacco," said health minister Sarah Hoffman, who announced the ban Sunday. "This is a huge victory," said Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, an anti-smoking advocacy group based in western Canada. "This has a ripple effect globally and it certainly established this province, and this government, as a world leader in tobacco control." While he said he was happy with the menthol ban, Hagen said more still had to be done. (CSFA)

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Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman announces the government will ban the sale of menthol- flavoured tobacco after Sept. 30, 2015. Article Unknown leaderpost.com/ ca.news.yahoo.com/ theprovince.com Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://www.leaderpost.com/Alberta+sale+menthol+flavoured+tobacco/11097700/story.html

Alberta will ban the sale of menthol-flavoured tobacco after Sept. 30, the government said Sunday. Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said the government decided to ban menthol along with other flavoured tobacco products because of menthol’s appeal to young smokers. “More than half of young tobacco users are using flavoured tobacco, whether it’s menthol or a fruit or candy flavour,” Hoffman said in a news release. . "This is a huge victory," said Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, an anti-smoking advocacy group based in western Canada. "This has a ripple effect globally and it certainly established this province, and this government, as a world leader in tobacco control." While he said he was happy with the menthol ban, Hagen said more still had to be done. (CSFA)

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Alberta also ban the sale of menthol tobacco products Article Ralph-Bonet Sanon Radio Canada, CBC Radio Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://ici.radio-canada.ca/regions/alberta/2015/05/31/002-annonce-interdiction-vente-cigarettes- menthol.shtml

Hoffman, the health minister of the new NDP government of Alberta, made the announcement Sunday, when the World No Tobacco Day. On Monday, the flavored tobacco products are banned from sale in Alberta. The measure adopted by the former Progressive Conservative government, however, exempt the mentholated tobacco, what had criticized the provincial New Democratic Party . The Canadian Cancer Society, who has long argued that menthol cigarettes introduce youngsters to smoking, applauds the announcement of the Alberta government. (CSFA)

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Alberta Menthol Tobacco Sales To Be Banned To Curb Youth Smoking Article huffingtonpost.com/winnipegfreepress.com/ Rob Drinkwater Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/05/31/alberta-will-ban-menthol-_n_7479786.html

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Alberta government adds menthol to flavoured tobacco ban Article Emily Mertz globalnews.ca/ Global Edmonton, 6PM, 11PM, Global Calgary, 6PM, 11PM, Global Lethbridge 6PM Sunday, May 31, 2015 Shttp://globalnews.ca/news/2027600/watch-live-alberta-government-makes-tobacco- announcement/unday, May 31, 2015 In her first official news conference, Alberta’s health minister announced the government was adding menthol to the province’s flavoured tobacco ban. “This is about protecting youth,” said Sarah Hoffman. She said four per cent of adult smokers use menthol products while one-third of youth smokers do. Ahead of Sunday’s announcement, The Western Convenience Stores Association spoke against adding menthol to the flavoured tobacco ban. It said lobbyists for health organizations were trying to shame the new NDP government into making it impossible for adults to buy menthol cigarettes. “We cannot allow tobacco companies to dictate public health and health policy in Alberta,” said ASH executive director Les Hagen. “In other words, we must keep the fox out of the hen house.” (CSFA)

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Government to ban sale of menthol flavoured tobacco in Alberta Article Debra Clarke ctvnews.ca/thenorthernview.com/ CTV Edmonton 6PM, 11:30PM, CTV Calgary 6PM, 11:30PM Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/government-to-ban-sale-of-menthol-flavoured-tobacco-in-alberta- 1.2399698

The Alberta Government is banning the sale of menthol flavoured tobacco starting this fall. Health Minister Sarah Hoffman made the announcement Sunday after Premier Rachel Notley hinted at a complete ban on flavoured tobacco earlier in the week. The government claims the move is an effort to protect young people from starting smoking and help prevent cancer. In a statement, Angeline Webb with the Canadian Cancer Society said menthol cigarettes are starter products that make it easier for youth to get hooked on tobacco. “[We applaud] the Government of Alberta for being a leader on this issue and taking this bold step that will help better protect our youth from the harmful health consequences of tobacco use,” she stated. (CSFA)

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Menthol ban ‘great’ for health of Albertans, chief medical officer says Article Sheila Pratt edmontonjournal.com/calgaryherald.com Sunday, My 31, 2015 http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Sale+menthol+flavoured+tobacco+banned+Alberta+after+Sept/1 1097380/story.html

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health has high praise for the new government’s move Sunday to ban menthol-flavoured tobacco products popular among young smokers. “It’s a great day for health in Alberta,” said Dr. James Talbot, who along with the Canadian Cancer Society and other anti-smoking advocates had pushed for a ban on menthol cigarettes and all other flavoured tobacco. There will be many fewer cases of chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer in Alberta if the flavour ban is successful in keeping youth off tobacco, Talbot said. In her first week in the job, Health Minister Sarah Hoffman reversed the policy of the previous Progressive Conservative government which had exempted menthol from a ban that takes effect Monday on all flavoured tobacco products. The ban is “a major victory,” said Les Hagen of the advocacy group Action on Smoking and Health. (CSFA)

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Menthol cigarette ban coming to Alberta Article Ryan Tumilty metronews.ca Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/1383099/menthol-cigarette-ban-coming-to-alberta/

Menthol cigarettes are set to come off of Alberta’s store shelves starting this fall. On Sunday, Health minister Sarah Hoffman announced the new ban on menthol-flavoured tobacco products, which will begin on Sept. 30. Hoffman said preventing menthol cigarette sales would help prevent youth from taking up smoking. “Today’s announcement will help fewer Alberta families go through the pain of a tobacco- related illness,” she said. “The most important thing is that we protect the health of Albertans and in particular youth,” she said. Les Hagen, with Action on Smoking and Health, which has advocated for the menthol ban, said Alberta is taking a leading stand. “We’re talking about thousands and thousands of youth who will not become addicted to tobacco and will not suffer the consequences of tobacco use down the road,” he said. (CSFA)

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Alberta will ban menthol tobacco sales in four months to curb youth smoking Radio 680news.com/ news957.com/ Rob Drinkwater Sunday, May 31, 2015 http://www.680news.com/2015/05/31/alberta-will-ban-menthol-tobacco-sales-in-four-months-to- curb-youth-smoking/

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Menthol ban in Alberta: Are the cigarette's days numbered? Article Unknown CBC Calgary 6pm, 11pm/cbc.ca/calgary CBC Edmonton, 6pm, 11pm cbc.ca/edmonton Friday, May 29, 2015 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/menthol-ban-in-alberta-are-the-cigarette-s-days- numbered-1.3093876

The Alberta government is expected to announce changes to its smoking reduction plan on Sunday, and there's speculation the province's ban on flavoured tobacco products that starts on Monday could also include menthol cigarettes. The new law banning flavoured tobacco was passed by the Progressive Conservatives last fall, but the rules did not include menthol flavoured cigarettes. At the time the decision was slammed by the NDP and other opposition members. The argument is that flavoured cigarettes and cigarillos target young people, and encourages smoking, Menthol is the worst flavouring of all because it soothes the throat, it opens the airways," said Les Hagen, with Action on Smoking and Health. "It helps to set the hook and get young people addicted to nicotine."( CSFA)

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Menthol Cigarette Ban Talk Has Alberta Store Owners Concerned Article John Cotter huffingtonpost.com Friday, May 29, 2015 http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/05/29/alberta-convenience-store_n_7461592.html

A group that represents Alberta convenience store owners is unhappy over indications the province will ban the sale of menthol-flavoured tobacco. The Western Convenience Stores Association said Thursday that lobbyists for health organizations are trying to shame the new NDP government into making it impossible for adults to buy menthol cigarettes. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that one in three Alberta youth smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to one in 20 adult smokers. Les Hagen of the group Action on Smoking and Health said the menthol tobacco market is aimed at young people and a ban on the flavour in Alberta is overdue. (CSFA)

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Notley urged to ‘do the right thing,’ ban menthol tobacco Article Matt Dykstra The Calgary Sun/calgarysun.com Friday, May 29, 2015 http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/05/28/rally-against-menthol-cigarettes-held-at-alberta-legislature

A provincial campaign against smoking rallied outside the legislature in Edmonton on Thursday in an effort to convince new Premier Rachel Notley's NDP government to ban menthol tobacco. Last fall, the Progressive Conservative government passed legislation making the sale of flavoured tobacco illegal effective June 1 but exempting menthol cigarettes. At the time, the Alberta NDP opposition blasted former health minister Stephen Mandel for "caving to big tobacco" as studies have shown over a third of youth smokers use menthol products and are three times less likely to quit smoking than non-menthol smokers. "We're hoping they'll do the right thing. The Premier herself has said menthol should be banned and I couldn't agree more," said Les Hagan of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), adding he's "not taking anything for granted." (CSFA)

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Youth urge menthol ban Article Lucy Haines Metro Edmonton Friday, May 29, 2015

Grade 12 student Brooklynn Trimble sees teens smoking menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco every day. “Kids use menthol because it tastes better, but tobacco shouldn’t taste good. It makes kids feel like they’re not smoking at all, and it opens the door to addiction,” she said. The 17- year- old student joined other learners and local health groups at the legislature Thursday to urge the Notley government to include menthol products as part of new regulations (taking effect June 1), that ban all flavoured tobacco — other than menthol. “The new regulations are fatally flawed, since they do not apply to the most popular flavoured tobacco product among youth,” said Angeline Webb of the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWTDivision. (CSFA)

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Rachel Notley’s NDP may move against menthol cigarettes Article Unknown Metro Halifax Friday, May 29, 2015

The Alberta NDP has been in favour of a menthol ban and Premier Rachel Notley has said she expects there will be an announcement in the coming days. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that one in three Alberta youth smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to one in 20 adult smokers. Les Hagen of the group Action on Smoking and Health said the menthol tobacco market is aimed at young people and a ban on the flavour in Alberta is overdue. He said the tobacco industry and some retail stores are more interested in money than in the health of young people and this latest plea not to ban menthol isn’t a surprise. (CSFA)

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Follow Ontario’s lead Letter to the Editor Kate Chidester The Edmonton Journal/edmontonjournal.com Friday, May 29, 2015 http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/letters/Friday+Letters+Hopeful+signs+enlightenment+g ender/11090966/story.html

This week, Ontario announced the passing of the Making Healthier Choices Act, which will require restaurants to post calories on their menus and will help Ontario families make informed healthy food choices. It will also help protect youth from the dangers of tobacco and the potential harms of e-cigarettes by banning flavoured tobacco products, including a phase-out of menthol, and making it illegal to use e- cigarettes in designated non-smoking areas. Alberta should follow Ontario’s lead. Doing so will promote the well-being of Albertans and help reduce chronic disease risk in the province by making healthier choices easier for individuals to make in settings where they live, work and play. (CSFA0

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Flavoured tobacco ban News Michael Popove CHAT TV Friday, May 29, 2015 http://chattelevision.ca/video/may-29-flavoured-tabacco-ban/

A law banning the use of flavoured tobacco in Alberta will take effect on Monday June 1st. That has convenient store operators across the province fuming, saying the ban will hurt stores, cost the government money and drive the market underground. According to the Canadian Cancer society, it’s those numbers that make flavoured tobacco a gateway drug that targets youth smokers. Valerie Fraser with the Cancer Society says, “ menthol cigarettes are masked to be not as harsh on your throat, so it makes smoking more enjoyable for youth.” (CSFA)

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NDP urged to include menthol in flavoured tobacco ban News Lisa Wolansky Global Edmonton Noon, 5PM, 6PM, 11PM, CTV Edmonton, Noon, 5PM, 6PM, 11PM, CBC Edmonton, Noon, 11PM, City TV Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://globalnews.ca/news/2022947/alberta-convenience-store-owners-leery-about-possibility-of- menthol-tobacco-ban/

Anti-smoking groups called on the new NDP government to include menthol in a ban on the sale of some flavoured tobacco. On Monday a new law banning flavoured tobacco comes into effect in Alberta, but the rules do not include menthol flavoured cigarettes. "Menthol is the worst flavouring of all because it soothes the throat, it opens the airways," said Les Hagen, with Action on Smoking and Health. "It helps to set the hook and get young people addicted to nicotine." (CSFA)

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Rally against menthol cigarettes held at Alberta legislature Article Matt Dykstra edmontonsun.com/The Edmonton Sun Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/05/28/rally-against-menthol-cigarettes-held-at-alberta- legislature

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Anti-smoking group wants Notley to include menthol in Monday flavour ban Radio Scott Johnston 630 CHED/iNews880 Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://www.630ched.com/2015/05/28/anti-smoking-group-wants-notley-to-include-menthol-in- monday-flavour-ban/

Anti-smoking groups are trying to keep the pressure on the Rachel Notley government to strengthen flavoured tobacco legislation that comes into effect on Monday. They want menthol included, which was exempted after a strong lobby when bill 206 was first introduced “It’s just a very simple amendment made to a regulation through a cabinet order. It can be done in one cabinet meeting,” Les Hagen of Action on Smoking and Health told reporters outside the Legislature Thursday morning, while cabinet met in Calgary. (CSFA)

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Showdown over the future of mentholated tobacco Radio Unknown Radio Canada Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://ici.radio-canada.ca/regions/alberta/2015/05/28/005-tabac-menthol-interdiction-vente-sante- depanneur-produits-aromatises.shtml

While a group of students and health associations ask the inclusion of mentholated tobacco in flavored products banned from sale, the Association of Convenience Stores in Western Canada accused of demonizing the product. Given the change of government, students Edmonton and fight against smoking associations have asked Thursday morning to the new Prime Minister to keep his word and to include menthol in the next sales ban. The product, they say, targets young people and encourages them to start smoking. (CSFA)

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Alberta convenience store owners leery about possibility of menthol tobacco ban Article Unknown reddeeradvocate.com/lethbridgeherld.com/medicinehatnews.com/kelownadailycourier.ca/k-lightfm.com Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/Alberta_convenience_store_owners_leery_about_possibili ty_of_menthol_tobacco_ban_305375041.html

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Alberta convenience store owners leery about possibility of menthol tobacco ban Article Unknown globalnews.ca Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://globalnews.ca/news/2022947/alberta-convenience-store-owners-leery-about-possibility-of- menthol-tobacco-ban/

A group that represents Alberta convenience store owners is fuming over indications the province will ban the sale of menthol-flavoured tobacco. The Western Convenience Stores Association says lobbyists for health organizations are trying to shame the new NDP government into making it impossible for adults to buy menthol cigarettes. Association president Andrew Klukas says a ban would hurt the bottom line of stores, cost the government tax revenue and drive the sale of menthol tobacco underground. Les Hagen of the group Action on Smoking and Health says the menthol tobacco market is aimed at young people and a ban on the flavour is overdue. Hagen notes that Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec have either banned menthol or have plans to do so. (CSFA)

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Alberta convenience store owners leery about possibility of menthol tobacco ban Article Unknown winnipegfreeepress.com/brandosun.com Thursday, May 28, 2015 http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/alberta-convenience-store-owners- leery-about-possibility-of-menthol-tobacco-ban--305340221.html

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Call for more radon testing News Tara Nelson CTV Calgary/ctv.calgary.ca Wednesday, May 27, 2015 http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=622782&binId=1.1201914&playlistPageNum=1

Radon gas is likely something you been hear and more about, it's everywhere, you can't see it or smell it. But it becomes dangerous. "When somebody is exposed to a high amount of radon for a longer duration, the only known effect that it has is causing lung cancer. The Lung Association says it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. We are in a very high zone, where every house may have some amount of radon. Health Canada and The Lung Association urge testing.

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Lung health Feature Stacy Brotzel CTV Edmonton 8AM Wednesday, May 27, 2015

It is wildfire season and The Lung Association, Alberta & NWT is urging Albertans to keep a close watch on local air quality reports. "Not only do these wildfires pose a danger to natural habitat, they also pose a danger to human health," said Sufi Hassan, Program Specialist for Environmental and Heath with The Lung Association of Alberta and NWT.

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Lyle Norn memorial barrel racing series in its second year Article Jeffery Heyden-Kaye ponokanews.com/The Ponoka News Wednesday, May 27, 2015 http://www.ponokanews.com/sports/305184801.html

Organizers of last year’s Lyle Norn Memorial Barrel Race Series were so excited about it they have put together a second series in what is becoming an annual event. One of the co-organizers Kaylee-Jo Henkelman said the event was put together to honour her grandfather Lyle Norn, who died after a battle of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and was also a big supporter of rodeo. Norn also suffered from CO2 retention, which is an issue where not enough carbon dioxide is removed from the lungs. The second series started Wednesday, May 20 at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds with 80 entries. The event is also a fundraiser for the Lung Association for Alberta and the Northwest Territories and Henkelman said they raised $6,500 last year for the association.

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Health matters News Sui Ling Go Global Edmonton 5PM/globalnews.ca Tuesday, May 26, 2015

We are in allergy season again. According to The Lung Association of Alberta and NWT, the pollen, grass and weed allergies are the same as last year but the smoke from the wildfires is making things worse. The smoke can be the cause of many of the respiratory problems. Sufi Hasssan said "Those with breathing problems should not go outdoors and also to keep your windows shut."

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AQHI Feature Michael Higgins Alberta PrmeTime/albertaprimetime.com Tuesday, May 26, 2015 http://alberta.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=621414

With wildfire season hitting high gear, we discuss air quality/health risks with Sufi Hassan, Program Specialist for Environmental and Heath with The Lung Association of Alberta and NWT.

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Full fire ban in place for Alberta forests News Colleen Schmidt CTV Calgary Monday, May 25, Noon, 5PM, 6PM, 11:30PM Global Edmonton 5PM, 11PM http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/full-fire-ban-in-place-for-alberta-forests-1.2390066

Officials say as of Monday, all fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. More than 1,300 wildland firefighters and about 100 aircraft have been deployed to deal with the wildfires that are already burning. The Lung Association is reminding residents to keep an eye on air- quality reports and says people with asthma, COPD and other lung-related illnesses could find they are having difficulties breathing because of the smoke from the wildfires. “Not only do these wildfires pose a danger to natural habitat, they also pose a danger to human health,” said Sufi Hassan, Program Specialist for Environment and Health at TLA. "Those with asthma or COPD could find themselves struggling to breathe during a wildfire, even if the fire is burning hundreds of kilometres away.”

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Doctors' group welcomes eventual end to coal power in Alberta Article Dylan Robertson The Calgary Herald/calgaryherald.com May, Sunday, 23, 2015 http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/doctors-group-welcomes-eventual-end-to-coal-power- in-alberta

Despite burning more coal for energy than all other provinces combined, Alberta is set to ween itself off the black mineral, earning praise from a coalition of physicians. “It’s exciting to see that this is probably going to happen,” said Joe Vipond, a University of Calgary emergency physician and clinical lecturer. “Five out of the six major parties in Alberta say that this is their policy objective, so let’s make it policy.” Premier-designate Rachel Notley’s spokeswoman said it’s too early to tell how the government will move ahead on coal, but pointed to her election platform, which pledged to “phase out coal-fired electricity generation to reduce smog and greenhouse gas emissions and expand cleaner, greener sources, including wind and solar.” The move came two years after the physicians partnered with the Pembina Institute and asthma and lung associations to probe the human and financial medical costs of the province’s coal energy use.

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Alberta should include menthol in looming flavoured-tobacco ban, health analyst says Article Gordon Kent The Edmonton Journal/edmontonjournal.com/The Calgary Herald/calgaryherald.com Monday, May 18-19, 2015 http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Alberta+should+include+menthol+looming+flavoured+tobacco+ health+analyst+says/11063317/story.html

Alberta’s new NDP government should fight youth smoking by banning the sale of menthol-flavoured tobacco, a Canadian Cancer Society official says. As of June 1, the province will outlaw the sale of all flavoured tobacco except for menthol, along with forbidding smaller and cheaper packs of tobacco, and smoking in vehicles when children are present. Then health minister Stephen Mandel said when the changes were announced last fall the province wanted more time for consultation on the menthol issue. But Rob Cunningham, a senior policy analyst for the Canadian Cancer Society, said Monday that Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia have taken steps to stop menthol-flavoured tobacco sales, and Alberta should follow suit. “The sooner the new Alberta government moves, the sooner youth will be protected,” Cunningham said from Ottawa. (CSFA)

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CSFA asks voters to question candidates on menthol tobacco issue Radio Tyler Loutan inews880.com Sunday, May 3, 2015 http://www.inews880.com/2015/05/03/csfa-asks-voters-to-question-candidates-on-menthol-tobacco-issue/

This past week, Nova Scotia approved the full ban on flavoured tobacco products, including menthol. Ontario is set to follow suit, in the next week or so. And while the Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta says is good to see progress across the nation – - they’re hoping to see those same changes coming to Alberta. Les Hagen of the CSFA says, that he hopes this remains an important issue through the campaign trail, and after government is formed. “Hopefully this is something that Albertans are expressing to their candidates, as they come to the door, about the need for government to protect kids from hazardous substances, like menthol tobacco.” (CSFA)

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