A Parliamentary Celebration
May 31, 2013 was the 25th anniversary of the passage in the House of Commons of both the Non-Smokers' Health Act and the Tobacco Products Control Act. With these acts, Canada became the first country to legislate smoke-free airplanes, trains, boats, federal office places as well as introduce restrictions on tobacco advertizing. Jack Harris NDP MP who was first elected to Parliament just months before the vote acted as host of the luncheon celebration. Lynn McDonald, former NDP MP was the author of the Non-Smokers' Health bill. Paul was chairman of the PC health caucus and helped organize government supporters for Lynn's bill. Don Boudria (later Liberal House leader under Jean Chrétien) represented the Liberals at the anniversary. Sheila Copps (later Deputy Prime Minister) organized the Liberal vote but was unable to attend the celebration. Lynn McDonald read the "honour roll" of all the MP's who voted for the NSHA. Jack, Paul and Don remin...
