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May 13, 2003
For immediate release

Attorney General Jeffrey Lantz to Spend Day at the Provincial Correctional Centre

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General Jeffrey Lantz today announced that he will spend the full day job shadowing correctional staff at the Provincial Correctional facility on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, to get a first hand look at staff concerns around second hand smoke. The Smoke-free Public Places Legislation which will be in effect in Prince Edward Island on June 1, 2003 does not apply to correctional facilities.

"The new act does not apply to correctional facilities at this time," says Attorney General Lantz. "We want to ensure that we are prudent and have a planned approach before implementing such a ban to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates."

An environmental health committee, representing the employer and the union, is currently reviewing options for implementation, including the resources required and time frame involved in moving toward a smoke-free environment.

The Attorney General will spend the day with correctional officers and other staff at the facility, hearing staff concerns and gathering staff recommendations on how to proceed with the implementation of a smoking ban in correctional facilities.

"I look forward to spending the day with staff and learning more about their workplace," said Attorney General Lantz. "When the environmental health committee comes forward with recommendations, I will have a greater understanding of the issue."

Attorney General Lantz will be available to speak with media on Wednesday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the Provincial Correctional Centre.

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Media Contact: Jennifer MacLeod
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