New Brunswickers debate expansion of smoking ban

The expanded smoking ban in New Brunswick is drawing mostly praise, but some criticism.

The Gallant government announced Wednesday it will be make the smoking ban apply topatios, playgrounds, walking trails, jogging trails and other places frequented by children. The new law will also prohibit the use of e-cigarettes anyplace where smoking is banned.

"I'm very happy for the smoking ban," said Natasha Vienneau in Fredericton. "I totally agree with it. Smoking should never be around children no matter what, no matter where it is.

"I really hated going out to eat and having to smell smoke or seeing a full ashtray," she said. "It was just disgusting. It didn't make you feel like you wanted to eat anymore."

But not everyone was in agreement.

"I think that they should have some place for people to smoke because I don't think it's fair to the smokers," said Bernie Stafford.

"People smoked for years and I'm one that doesn't believe that smoking causes cancer," she said. "Maybe if you had cancer it might not help, but I don't think it causes it.

"But I can see if somebody doesn't smoke, I can see them not wanting to be with the smokers," she said. "They should have separate spots."

An informal survey as part ofCBC New Brunswick's coverage of Wednesday's announcement showed 56 per cent of those who took the survey were in favour of the new measures and 41 per cent were opposed.

Robert MacInnis, a former smoker and cancer survivor, welcomed the change while sitting on a caf's sidewalk patio in Fredericton.

"When I sit outdoors like this and I'm trying to enjoy the day, I appreciate not having to breathe other people's second-hand smoke," he said.

"We have laws that say you can't smoke inside a building. This is a public area. I think public areas should be kept free of some.

"These public areas are places for children and stuff like this and it's not a good example to set for anyone," he said.

"It's obviously bad for your health. I know that from experience."