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NLIS 5 May 26, 2003 (Health and Community Services) St. Boniface proud to be Smoke-Free in 2003 Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for the District of Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune, joined representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT), the Teen Tobacco Team, and Pop Star Christa Borden in a celebration with the students and staff of St. Boniface All Grade School in recognition of the school�s accomplishment in being Smoke-Free in 2003. This event is being held in recognition of World No Tobacco Day, celebrated annually on May 31. The students and staff of St. Boniface All Grade School have been 100 per cent smoke-free for the 2002-2003 school year. The student enrollment is 87, with 47 students enrolled in grades 7 - 12. There are 10 teachers and two support staff. Minister Langdon recognized the accomplishment of the students and staff in the last sitting of the House of Assembly and is very pleased that the students have decided smoking is not for them. "They have recognized the benefits of a healthier lifestyle," he said. "We all make choices and must then deal with the consequences. These students have chosen life." "Through its mission to curb tobacco use and promote healthy breathing, the Lung Association has celebrated many successes with its various community partners. The St. Boniface accomplishment is truly the most outstanding highlight of our four decades of experience. After years of smoking-hazard messages, new public awareness is evolving. We're winning the battle against smoking and the youth of Ramea are leading the way," said Peggy Johnson, executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association. Minister Smith emphasized the work government is doing around tobacco control. "Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the country�s leaders in tobacco reduction. One of the things we have done through our Smoke-free Environment Act is create laws to restrict places where people can be exposed to smoke," said Minister Smith. "Our success, of course, depends on the level of support we get from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The students and staff at St. Boniface are a shining example for the rest of the province." "The positive response from government and the other organizations has been overwhelming, and I am very proud that our school is the first to receive this recognition," said Principal Leo Freeborn. "St. Boniface now challenges all other schools in the province to join us and become smoke-free as well." Josh Walters, a member of the Teen Tobacco Team, supported the challenge. "I encourage other schools in Newfoundland and Labrador to look at this accomplishment of the students and staff of St. Boniface as a goal that they should strive for." "It is fitting that this celebration is being held during the same week as World No Tobacco Day which is a global event on May 31 where smokers around the world unite to break free from their dependence on tobacco," said Brenda Grimes, chair of ACT, a coalition of over 85 government and non-government organizations dedicated to the reduction of tobacco use in our province. The World Health Organization first initiated the annual event in 1988 to raise awareness of the international impact of tobacco use and promote a tobacco-free environment. The highlight of the celebration was a special visit by Christa Borden, the winner of Pop Stars - The One. Borden, a graduate of Memorial University�s School of Music, and a non-smoker, praised the students for their accomplishment and encouraged them to pursue their goals. "It is certainly a pleasure to be a part of this celebration. These students have a world of opportunity before them and I am proof that when dreams become goals they can be achieved. Smart choices like deciding not to smoke will help them reach their goals as well," she said. Media contact:
2003 05 26 2:00 p.m. |
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