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?n k6/07 1:16 Canada to ban a!: smoking o&-4ftescic. airlines by m...
Canaca :-- ban all smoking on domescic airlines by mid-1993
CTTA;;A (UFI) -- The Canadian government announced plans Thursday to ban
smoking on all international flights by domestic airlines by July 1, 1993.
CLrrencly, smoking is banned on all domestic and tr=isbordar flights and
a ban on international flights of less than six hours is sac to come into
effect: or July 1.
'The government's position on smoking in the workplace is very clear,,
said Doug Lewis, Canada's transport minister, in announcing the plans.
Although 95 perzent of all flights by Canadian airlines are smoke-free,
the companies will be required to reduce the proportion of seats for
smokers in a series of annual 25 percent cuts beginning on July 1, Levis
said.
As of July 1. 1993, smoking will no longer be allowed an Ca ria cl
carr-ers.
Caaacian Airlines International of Calgary said the government's action
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was pilot y rimed given high interest races, an economic slowdown and a soft
travel market.
The company said thac without the smoking ban being extended to all
foreip carriers operating into Canada 'the new regulations will uriffairly
and severely hamaer' the ability of Canadian Airlines to compete
internationally.
Bu: Canadian Airlines applauded Lewis who said he would try co convince
offic-31s from other governments co follow Canada's lead.
In a lectar dated Thursday to the president of the International Civil
Avi a Organization. which is based in Montreal, Levis requested an
oppor-uni-.y to attend the I&O's fall assembly and to ask the members co
make , ntar- non-smoking regulations la high priority.,
11 believe that ocher nations share Canada's concern regarding the
-a of smoking an board aircraft and that, with the assistance of the
ICAO and its member states. -Important progress can be made on this matter.'
Lewis wrote.
Levis said the government's 'comprehensive strategy will help us obtain
a smoke-free environment on all flights while permitting our air carrier
ndustrv -,a remain competitive.'
Cara@tan Airlines said the unilateral ban could result in a more
than e.35 million loss. half of its international routes revenues.
The losses, the company estimated, would result primarily from a drop in
passengers on its Japan-Canada route. Over 80 percent of traffic on this
route originates in Japan. and 53 percent of chose passengers are smokers,
Canadian Airlines said.
'Passengers from Pacific Rim countries and Europe do not view smoking in
the same way as North Americans, it's very such a part of their culture,'
the company said.
Un
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BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 14 April 1999