First Nations intervene in case over smoking ban

Friday, February 16, 2007  

A group representing 32 First Nations in Manitoba has been given permission to intervene in a case challenging the province's ban on smoking in public places.

The Non-Smokers Health Protection Act went into effect in October 2004. At the time, the province said it did not apply to reserves.

But the owner of a hotel near two reserves challenged the law. A judge ruled that the province failed to give equal treatment to non-Native businesses.

In response, the province extended the ban to reserve businesses. But the Manitoba Keewatinook Ininew Okimowin says First Nations should have the right to create and enforce their own smoking laws.

The case is before the Manitoba Court of Appeal.

Get the Story:
Native group gets legal standing in smoking battle (CBC 2/15)

$rl Manitoba Keewatinook Ininew Okimowin - http://www.mkonorth.com

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First Nation leaders vote against smoking ban (12/16)
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Non-Indians want smoking ban for First Nations too (10/4)
Manitoba's smoking ban won't apply to First Nation (9/30)