Smoking ban ignites controversy

Poor people smoke more. But Hamilton health officials don't want them smoking in city-owned public housing.

Hamilton's board of health will consider a recommendation today to prohibit all new public housing renters from lighting up in the city's 6,234 units, most of which are available on a rent-geared-to-income basis. Smokers currently living in the units would be exempt from the new antismoking rules.

The proposal would ban smoking in all newly acquired public housing and restrict smoking at the entrances and exits to all public-housing buildings.

A city staff report reveals the highest percentage of Hamilton smokers (31.5 per cent) are those who make less than $15,000 a year.

In Hamilton, 78 per cent of residents are nonsmokers, and 22 per cent are daily and occasional smokers.

But the recommendation to prohibit all new renters from enjoying a legal product is sure to draw fire.

Hamilton Councillor Sam Merulla, whose ward includes a large public-housing component, won't support the public-health proposal.

"From a public-health perspective I concur wholeheartedly. I can't in good conscience encourage anyone to smoke. What we should be doing is increase awareness of our cessation programs as opposed to imposing something I believe is contrary to someone's rights within their own home.

"From a human rights perspective I disagree strongly, from a public health perspective I agree we should encourage people to quit smoking and that is where the onus should be put on. Not imposing the the fist of the city on individuals who demographically are considered to be some of the most marginalized in our city," Merulla said.