PUBLIC PLACES: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Preparing to lobby
your local town or municipal councils for smoking bylaws
in public places is a process that demands time, patience, enthusiasm
and support. Smoke-Free Kings has had the opportunity to experience first-hand,
the trials and tribulations of trying to encourage councils in Kings
County to implement 100% smoke-free bans in their respective jurisdictions.
We are pleased to be able to share our experiences, insights and learnings
with others who are also trying to improve the health of their communities
by lobbying for similar smoke-free legislation.
This page provides a step-by-step, how-to approach for individuals
and organizations who are working towards developing smoke-free bylaws.
You will find sample letters, ideas for soliciting support, presentations
for councils, advice on public hearings, how to celebrate successes
and more. On behalf of Smoke-Free Kings, we hope you will find this
information helpful on your journey to advocating for change!
PUBLIC PLACES TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Create a Committee
- Develop a Statement of Purpose and Slogan
- Research Public Places Legislation in Other
Jurisdictions
- Develop a Communication Strategy
- Compile an Information Package for Councils
- Solicit Support
- Make Presentations to Councils
- The Public Hearing: Prepare for Opposition
- Celebrate Successes
- Support for Municipalities and Towns after
Bylaw Implementation
- Continued Support to Other Jurisdictions
- Lobbying for a 100% Provincial Smoke-Free Ban
in Public Places
- Time-Line and Summary of Events
- MLA Contact Info / Premier / Provincial Contact
Info. / Sample Letter of Support
- Learnings
- Link to Town of Wolfville Bylaw
- Link to Town of Berwick Bylaw
- Link to Bill 125
1) Create a Committee
- -Bring stakeholders to the table.
- -Invite representatives from local municipal and town councils,
representatives from the business community, health professionals
and community volunteers to form a Smoke-Free Places Committee.
The Smoke-Free Kings Public Places Committee consisted of representatives
from:
- - The Towns of Wolfville, Kentville and Berwick and the Municipality
of Kings
- - The business community
- - The Canadian Cancer Society
- - The Tobacco Control Unit
- - Addiction Services
- - Public Health Services
- - Smoke-Free Kings members
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2) Develop a Statement
of Purpose and Slogan
When creating your own statement of purpose be clear and concise.
The Statement of Purpose for the Smoke Free Kings Public Places Committee
was:
"To foster healthier communities through the creation of smoke-free
legislation in Kings County."
Our slogan was:
"Breathe Easy in Kings County."
IDEAS:
-Why not host a slogan contest? -Use your statement of purpose amd
slogan in your promotion and advertising, and if you have a logo, use
that as well. Soon your community will be familiar with your group and
your purpose.
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3) Research Public
Places Legislation in Other Jurisdictions
Become familiar with terminology, wording, exemptions, and bylaw differences
and similarities. Determine the scope and definitions of what you want
to recommend.
DEFINITIONS:
"PUBLIC PLACES": According to the Model Ordinance Eliminating Smoking
in Workplaces and Enclosed Public Places (Americans for Non-smokers
Rights, Berkeley, California): "Public places means any enclosed indoor
area to which the public is invited or in which the public is permitted,
including, but not limited to, malls. bingo halls, restaurants, bars,
retails stores, elevators, public transportation, theatres, indoor sports
facilities, child care facilities and common use areas of public buildings
(including reception areas, lobbies, entrances and waiting rooms."
Smoking is not regulated in private residences, with the exception
of those offering child care, adult care or health care facilities.
"DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT" will be used to define licensed lounges,
cabarets, beverage rooms, pubs and taverns. We brainstormed our own
list of public places, indicating whether we thought they should be
smoke-free, should not be smoke-free, or were questionable.
"PROXIMITY": According to the Model Ordinance (Berkeley, California)
Section 1006, Reasonable Distance: "Smoking shall occur at a reasonable
distance outside any enclosed area where smoking is prohibited to ensure
that tobacco smoke does not enter the area through entrances, windows,
ventilation systems or any other means."
-See "The Economic Impact of Smoke-Free Workplaces: An Assessment
for Nova Scotia" prepared by Ronald Colman, PH.D. GPI Atlantic,
September 2001.
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4) Develop a Communication
Strategy
-The media can become your best friend or your worst enemy. -Develop
a sub-committee to focus solely on communication, particularly with
the media. -Develop public awareness messages on the risks of second-hand
smoke and the benefits of smoke-free spaces (info-columns). -Write letters
to the editor. -Invite councillors to an information event, such as
a dinner, with guest speakers. -Send a press release to your local newspaper
-Identify potential partners and opponents. -Identify all media outlets
(ie- radio, newspapers, cable TV, bulletins, etc.)
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
- -Who do you wish to influence?
- -Partners who can help us
- -Potential opponents
- -Youth involvement
- -Media
- -Information dissemination
- -Advocacy strategy
- -Outline of health communication campaign
- -Time-frame
- -Develop "Fact Sheets" on ETS
- -Poster contest (KATS- Kids Against Tobacco Smoke) or essay contest
for high schools.
- -Solicit prizes
- -Publicize winners in media
- -National Non-Smoking Week promotion
-ACTION PLAN may include:
- Before During After
- -Media
- -Public
- -Business
- -Political
Our ACTION PLAN looked like this:
TENTATIVE ACTION PLAN:
BEFORE DURING AFTER
MEDIA Media package Public Hearing Reports Public Education Corporate
sponsorship Press Releases, Ads, Information, Columns
PUBLIC Articles/Media Attend Public Hearings Flyers in mail ETS
info blitz Invite champions Media info on Economic benefits by-law Stories
Youth Input
BUSINESS Contact Merchants' Invite supportive Education Assoc.
business leaders Signage Dialogue / Contacts to Public Hearings Reinforce
by-laws Economic benefits facts
POLITICAL Develop speakers Attend Public Hearings Help support
for Public Hearings Information Appeals New media/Council pkgs. Support
Evidence-based facts Letters to partners Endorsement letters Phone campaign
to Councillors Invitations to Public Hearings
SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE
IT'S IN THE AIR - SECOND-HAND SMOKE PUTS EVERYONE AT RISK
Did you know that if you are sitting in a smoky bar for two hours,
you've smoked the equivalent of four cigarettes, even if you are a
non-smoker? Or if you are eating in a smoke-filled restaurant for
two hours, you've smoked one and a half cigarettes? (1)
Second-hand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a mixture
of exhaled smoke and the smoke produced from the burning end of a
cigarette, pipe or cigar. Altogether, there are 4,000 chemicals produced,
including at least 50 which are known cancer-causing agents. Many
of these toxic components of second-hand smoke are also found in industrial
effluent and are treated as hazardous waste.
Tobacco smoke is the most widespread contaminant of indoor air, at
home, in workplaces, in eating establishments and in public places.
Remember, there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke, and
even the smallest exposure to these carcinogens can cause damage that
can lead to cancer, respiratory illnesses, heart disease, asthma and
infections. Children are especially vulnerable, increasing their risks
for ear infections, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
According to the Kings County Second-Hand Smoke Survey (Smoke-Free
Kings,1997), the majority of both smokers and non-smokers recognize
the risks of second-hand smoke and believe that public places should
be smoke-free.
What can we do? Let your family and friends know that you DO mind
if they smoke indoors. Support smoke-free businesses. Maintain a smoke-free
home and workplace. Always provide your children with clean indoor
air quality.
In Nova Scotia, 71% of our population consists of non-smokers, so
let's make smoke-free environments the norm. We'll all breathe a little
easier. For further information on ETS, call Lila Hope-Simpson, Co-Ordinator,
Smoke-Free Kings, (902)542-2057.
(1) School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley -30-
5)
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5) Compile an Information
Package for Councils
-Take the time to develop a concise, evidence-based information package
for distribution to councillors prior to the council meeting presentation.
The package may include: -Letter of introduction -Facts on second-hand
smoke -Letters of support -Success stories form other jurisdictions
-Info on your organization -Facts on ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke0
-"Is your head in a cloud?" -Question & Answer Sheet -Presentation
summary notes -Press release
-Have info packages for media as well.
-Develop a draft bylaw.
-At the presentation, use the following points: -Health risks -Cost
to health care -Effects on communities -Effects on businesses (restaurants,
B&B's, bars, etc.) -Smoke ventilation -Leadership -Community support
-Impact on tourism -Statistics on tourism percentages -Evidence showing
no decrease in business, and in many cases, increases.
-Identify barriers, and address the issues ( ie- fund-raising- bingo's
legions, etc.; enforcement, delay of implementation, etc.)
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6) Solicit Support
- -Make personal contact with champions in your community (business
owners, professionals, residents, politicians, youth, restaurant &
bar owners, etc.)
- -Encourage them to get involved by:
- -Joining your committee
- -Writing letters to councillors
- -Writing letters-to-the-editor
- -Talking to their colleagues
- -Coming to public hearings
- -Ask community members to write letters of support to include in
your information packages. Possible supporters may be:
- -Representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart Health,
NS Lung Association, Community Health Boards, District Health
Authorities
- -Addiction Services
- -Local physicians
- -Local Community Health Centres
- -Businesses (including restaurants and tourism establishments)
- -Local dentists
- -Child care community
- -Youth and students
- -MLA's
- -Regional School Board
- -Family Suppport Centres
- -Send a letter to potential supporters, seeking letters on agency
letterhead.
- -Host a Councillor Information Session:
- -To clearly define councillor concerns about the bylaw and to
build the agenda to address these concerns.
- -To increase awareness of support for restricting tobacco use.
- -To increae awareness of second-hand smoke information.
The goal is for councillors to be motivated to take action and to
believe that this is a good thing for their town / municipality. Our
Councillor Information Session was held on April 5, 2001 at Paddy's
Pub in Kentville, from 5:30-7:30 pm, with dinner included.
Agenda:
- -Welcome & Introductions
- -History / Survey -Bigger Strategy
- -Business / Economic concerns
- -Business Leader (speaker owner of Tim Hortons's)
- -Dinner -Overview of Bylaw
- -Recommendations / Resources
- -Q&A -Networking
Our recommendation was for all councils to implement a 100% smoke-free
public places bylaw by July 2001.
Sample letter seeking community support:
SMOKE-FREE KINGS EKM Community Health Centre 23 Earnscliffe Avenue
Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 2R1 Tel 902-679-2660 info@smokefreekings.org
TO: Supporters of Smoke-Free By-Law for Kings County A new study
by Health Canada "provides some of the most compelling scientific
evidence yet for a total ban on workplace smoking, including restaurants
and bars." (The Canadian Press, July 13, 2001). This study demonstrates
how people who are routinely exposed to second-hand smoke can triple
their risk of lung cancer.
We are looking for help and support from stakeholders to help pass
a by-law which would create 100% smoke-free indoor public places in
Kings County. At this time, the four councils, including the Towns
of Wolfville, Kentville & Berwick and the Municipality of Kings
are looking at a draft by-law which would be passed at the same time
in each community, to create a level playing field. The Towns of Wolfville
and Berwick have already voted YES to the bylaw! Experience shows
that strong municipal bylaws directly influence the passage of provincial
legislation.
Councillors represent their constituents. So, in order for them to
vote YES to this by-law, which would be introduced to protect the
health of both clients and employees, our councillors need to hear
from supporters, especially those in their communities. Councillors
read every letter and communication they receive, and these have a
strong influence in their decision-making.
Your voice can have a significant impact in the direction Kings County
takes to protect the health of our communities. We ask you to take
a few minutes to write, e-mail, fax or call your councillors, mayor
or warden as soon as possible. Your contribution will make a difference.
We thank you in advance for your support in helping us all breathe
easy in Kings County!
Mayor Robert Stead, Town of Wolfville
Mayor Gary Pearl, Town of Kentville
Mayor John Prall, Town of Berwick
Warden Fred Whalen, Municipality of Kings
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7) Make Presentations
to Councils
- -Call well ahead to be placed on the agenda. Most councils meet
monthly.
- -Distribute packages ahead of time for councillors to review.
- -Invite as many supporters as possible to sit in the audience.
- -Have one or two committee members make the presentation, referring
to the packages and using power point or overhead slides to highlight
key points.
- -Make a request that the town or municipality begin the process
to pass a bylaw for a 100% smoking ban in public places.
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8) The Public Hearing:
Prepare for Opposition
- -Now is the time to mobilize all of your supporters, from business
owners and health professionals, to students and residents.
- -Have each supporter make a positive presentation lobbying for the
passage of the bylaw.
- -For supporters who are unable to attend, have them write, call,
fax or e-mail their letters of support to the councillors prior to
the public hearing.
- -Be prepared for opposition from the hospitality industry, including,
b&b owners, bar and restaurant owners, as well as the Legion and
service groups.
- -Keep your points evidence-based.
- -Be prepared in advance for some of the opposition and prepare how
to counter some of the myths and fears with facts.
- -Stick to the health issues of second-hand smoke- steer away from
issues as job losses, rights of smokers, loss of freedom, etc.
- -Present arguments and evidence first. Acknowledge that restaurants
and bars will be concerned about revenue losses and present evidence
that credible research negates that, and indicated that although revenue
may decrease for a few months, it tends to rise to at least as much
or higher than before. Bring up business concerns FIRST.
- -Attempt to create equality; everyone wants an equal playing field.
- -Bingo halls & service clubs may protest on the basis of charity
losses.
- -Responding to Counter Attacks- A Framework Strategy to Defend the
Bylaw against Opposition (prepared by Steve Machat, Canadian Cancer
Society - January 2001)
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9) Celebrate Successes
- -Lobbying for change can be frustrating, challenging and downright
hard work!
- -Invite your supporters and celebrate even the smallest successes
with pizza, cake, news releases, awards and certificates. Invite the
media!
- -Keep your volunteers engaged and appreciated.
- -Order a success cake!
- -SFK made certificates that said: "Thank-you for all your efforts
and hard work. Together, we HAVE made a difference!"
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10) Support for Municipalities
and Towns after Bylaw Implementation
- -If you have any funds, help with signage, publicity, web-pages,
etc. If your councils face opposition, stand behind them and help
them develop strategies for standing firm.
- -Celebrate with media coverage, awards, etc.
- -Enforcement- Who will be responsible for enforcement? How can you
help with merchant awareness and education for enforcement?
- -Legal confrontations- offer support and evidence-based data if
needed.
- -Present the council with an award on the first anniversary of their
bylaw. Invite the media!
- -Congratulate your council on their leadership and encourage other
organizations to applaud them as well.
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11) Continued Support
to Other Jurisdictions
- -Share your experiences, write letters of support to newspapers
in other municipalities , attend public hearings, write to MLA's,
etc.
- -Let others know about the successful implementation of 100% smoke-free
legislation in your community.
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12) Lobbying for 100%
Provincial Smoke-Free Ban in Public Places
- -Lobby and advocate on the provincial level.
- -Share the success of your municipality or town.
- -Arrange meetings with MLA's, the Premier, the Office of Health
Promotion, etc.
- -Attend public hearings.
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13) Time-Line and Summary
of Events
- -Lobbying for new bylaws is a process which takes time. It is far
better to move slowly and follow the steps, than to race by to a quick
end.
- -SFK took three years from the beginning of the formation of a committee
until the first bylaw was passed in Wolfville. SFK sat around the
table for the first public places committee meeting on September 21,
1999. The first bylaw as passed by the Town of Wolfville on January
1, 2002
- -The best time for the passage of a new bylaw is usually spring,
when the weather is milder and more conducive to smoking outside.
- -Document all of your steps towards bylaw implementation.
SMOKE-FREE PUBLIC PLACES COMMITTEE OF KINGS COUNTY
Summary of Events
- Sept. 21, 1999 First committee meeting (instigated by a municipal
councillor seeking support from Smoke-Free Kings)
- Nov.17, 1999 Todd Leader shares HRM experience
- Dec. 8, 1999 Strategy Development
- Jan.12, 2000 Partners identified for letters of support Time Line
for Action developed
- Jan. 17, 2000 Requests sent to supporters seeking letters of support
- Jan. 2000 Press Release on Smoke-Free Public Places: "It's Time!"
- Feb 16, 2000 Presentation preparation for councils
- Feb. 24, 2000 Review council packages & presentations
- March 8, 2000 Review presentation content
- March 21, 2000 Presentation to Town of Berwick council
- March 28, 2000 Presentation to Municipality of Kings council
- April 3, 2000 Presentation to Town of Wolfville council
- April 12, 2000 Presentation of Town of Kentville council
- April 26, 2000 Strategy for first committee meeting with council
reps
- June 7, 2000 First joint meeting with SFK and council reps
- June 21, 2000 Working groups formed:
- -Evidence-based Research / Q & A
- -Communication Strategy Development
- -Communication Implementation
- -Bylaw Writing
- -Documentation / Evaluation
- -New Time-Line developed
- July 5, 2000 Definition of public places
- July 19, 2000 Updates; definitions
- Aug. 2, 2000 Cape Breton bylaw draft Enforcement Definitions Working
Group updates
- Aug. 30, 2000 Advocacy & information dissemination Identify
potential partners and opponents
- Oct. 4, 2000 Communication strategy Evidence- based planning Bylaw
draft
- Nov. 3, 2000 Need for name of public places committee Slogan; promotion
KATS Poster contest Planning of Information Session for councillors
Bylaw draft review
- Dec. 6, 2000 Plan promotional page for national Non-Smoking Week
KATS poster contest winners announced Info-kits for new councillors
Next steps brainstormed
- Jan. 10, 2001 Working group reports Campaign tagline decided: "Breathing
Easy in Kings County" Committee name selected: "Smoke-Free Places
Committee for Kings County" Time-line revisited
- Jan. 21, 2000 "Responding to Counter Attacks" A Framework Strategy
to Defend the bylaw against Opposition, prepared by Steve Machat.
- March 8, 2001 Councillor Information Session planning group
- March 29, 2001 Councillor Information Session planning / resources
- April 5, 2001 Dinner & Discussion (Information Session for councillors)
Paddy's Pub, Kentville
- May 2, 2001 Updates Media strategy
- May 8, 2001 Council meeting, Town of Wolfville
- May 15, 2001 Council meeting, Municipality of Kings
- May 22, 2001 Council meeting, Town of Berwick
- May 31, 2001 Review of public hearings and meetings June 4, 2001
Council meeting, Town of Kentville
- June 21, 2001 Mobilizing support and attendance to public meetings
Identify supporters from each town
- June 27, 2001 Feedback, concerns & options from towns
- July 10, 2001 1st public hearing, Town of Berwick
- July 12, 2001 Meeting with Mayor Bob Stead, Wolfville
- July 13, 2001 Council updates; review of letters of support
- July 16, 2001 Letter sent to business owners and residents of Kings
County seeking support.
- July 16, 2001 2nd reading, Town of Wolfville
- Aug. 21, 2001 Council meeting, Municipality of Kings
- Aug. 30, 2001 Activity / Council updates Provincial news Next steps
- Sept. 11, 2001 2nd reading, Town of Berwick
- Sept. 12, 2001 2nd reading, Town of Kentville
- Sept. 26, 2001 Council reports Partners (NS Lung Assoc, Canadian
Cancer Society) Use of media Evaluating our experience
- Oct. 11-12, 2001 Provincial Tobacco Conference Nova Scotia Communities
Taking Action Kespuwick Training Centre, Clementsport, NS Oct. 18,
2001 Council updates Thanks-you's to Wolfville & Berwick Recruitment
of new committee members
- Nov. 7, 2001 Strategic Planning meeting Nov. 13, 2001 Thank-you's
to Town of Berwick (NS Lung Assoc. Junior Ambassador)
- Nov. 19, 2001 Thank-you's to Town of Wolfville (NS Lung Assoc. Junior
Ambassador)
- Dec. 5, 2001 Council updates Signage National Non-Smoking Week promotional
ad AGM
- Jan. 1, 2002 Town of Wolfville implements bylaw
- Jan. 9, 2002 Thank-you's to Town of Kentville
- Jan.14, 2002 Meeting with MLA's Jon Carey (KIngs West) & Mark
Parent (KIngs North)
- Jan.18, 2002 Meeting with Dave Morse, MLA (Kings South), Minister
of Environment and Labour
- Jan.21, 2002 Town of Windsor information session
- Jan.24, 2002 Council updates Report on meeting with MLA's Municipality
of Kings strategy Feb.22, 2002 Council updates Acadia University update
Provincial update AGM
- March 25, 2002 Town of Windsor, Public Meeting
- March 27, 2002 Updates Strategy development
- April 1, 2002 Towns of Kentville & Berwick bylaw implementation
- May 2, 2002 Smoke-Free Kings AGM / Celebration, Kings Arm Pub, Kentville:
Celebrating 100% smoke-free towns in Kings County
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14) MLA Contact Info
/ Premier / Provincial Contact Info. / Sample Letter of Support
Sample Letter of Support:
Dear MLA / Premier / Minister,
As a resident of (county), Nova Scotia, I am writing to ask for your
support for legislation of a 100% ban on smoking in all indoor public
places.
The health risks associated with exposure to second-hand smoke are
well known. We know that there are demonstrated health effects of
tobacco use and second-hand smoke, which is linked to lung cancer,
stroke, asthma and heart disease. There are no acceptable safe levels
of exposure to ETS (environmental tobacco smoke).
Legislation protecting the public from second-hand smoke has been
successfully implemented incommunities across North America. The bylws
have not been associated with detrimental effects on local businesses.
In fact, as part of a comprehensive tobacco strategy, these bylaws
have contributed to an overall reduction in tobacco use in many communmities.
It is time for Nova Scotia to take major steps toward protecting
the health of its citizens. Every Nova Scotian should be exposed to
clean air in public places and in the work place. Healthy communities
across the province should be pour collective goal.
I encourage you to support the implementation of legislation for
a 100% ban on smoking in public places in Nova Scotia. I look forward
to hearing of your support for this legislation.
Sincerely,
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15) Learnings:
- 1) Get to know your councillors. Understand their position. Call
them. Speak to them. Keep them up to date on your activities.
- 2) Be ready for opposition. It will be loud and organized.
- 3) Develop a time-line sufficient for each step. Don't be in a hurry.
Be flexible.
- 4) Develop a media / communications strategy from the beginning.
- 5) Work collaboratively with community stakeholders/politicians.
- 6) Identify and rally supporters and champions.
- 7) Be prepared with evidence-based questions and answers well in
advance.
- 8) Keep your sense of humour.
- 9) Set goals; clarify roles.
- 10) Gain clear understanding of municipal bylaw and government process.
- 11) Take the time to build relationships.
- 12) Recruit passionate, motivated people.
- 13) Expect the unexpected.
- 14) Be prepared for conflict. Don't take it personally.
- 15) Stay encouraged. Celebrate successes
And more learnings.....
- Never underestimate the strength of feelings that opponents have
on this issue. Be prepared, but do not be overwhelmed by the intensity
of the opposition. Include all possible opponents in initial discussions.
- Remember that the legislators are often concerned with getting re-elected
and must be convinced that this will help them win more votes than
it loses them.
- Although the question of "level playing field" is important.
opinion is rapidly changing, so have the courage to act first.
- Stay in it for the long term. Legislation doesn't happen overnight.
- Partner with a key group of individuals representing a variety of
organizations.
- Get your facts in order. Know and document the research- both health
and economic.
- Involve council members. Key contacts on council or staff is a great
asset. Understanding municipal process is extremely important and
the right contact person can be integral to moving the issue forward.
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16) Town of Wolfville Bylaw:
Chapter 72 Smoke-Free Indoor Public Places Bylaw (PDF file -
requires the Adobe
Reader to view or print.)
17) Town of Berwick
Bylaw A Bylaw Prohibiting Smoking in Indoor Public Places
18) Link to Bill 125 Smoke-free
Places Act (Nova Scotia Legislature)
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