I rise in this Honourable House today to acknowledge and announce that it is government�s intention to make all the regional games held in this province, smoke-free.

The regional games program provides an opportunity for our province�s youth to come together within their respective regions and participate in multi-sport events over a three to five day period, in a fun, structured and non-competitive environment.

By participating in this program, the province�s youth will discover their own abilities while increasing their self-esteem and improving their physical health.

In keeping with the goals and objectives of our Provincial Recreation and Sports Strategy; Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador and Achieving Health and Wellness; the Provincial Wellness Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, this government is encouraging all communities across the province to establish and incorporate smoke-free outdoor recreation and sports area policies.

At this time, the Recreation and Sports Division of Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is in the final stages of developing a how-to manual for communities interested in hosting a regional games event. The manual is scheduled to be released on May 21, 2009, at the Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador�s Annual General Meeting. Copies will be distributed to the recreation commission and all municipalities.

And I am pleased to say, within those guidelines, there will be a stipulation noting that all outdoor recreation facilities and areas must be smoke-free.

In addition, I would like to note that this government will also apply this same policy in those communities who are selected to host the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter and Summer Games.

It may not be widely known that, the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco and Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, in partnership with the Provincial Government, have supported over 30 municipalities in the province in the development and implementation of 100 per cent smoke-free policies for their outdoor recreation and sport facilities. Moreover, three provincial sport organizations in the province have declared their sports smoke-free � soccer, softball and volleyball.

At this time, I invite all members of this house and all citizens of this province, to fully support all future regional games hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador to be smoke-free.