"An implementation team was established in March to lead the planning and implementation process to make adult correctional centres tobacco free. Their first task was to determine the earliest possible date that compliance could be achieved," said Attorney General Jamie Ballem. "When first announced, we also made a commitment to update Islanders about the implementation process. This announcement is the first step in keeping Islanders informed."

The Implementation Team is responsible for leading the process to achieve compliance with the Smoke Free Places Act in adult correctional centres including the development and coordination of a comprehensive work plan aimed at achieving safe implementation of a policy banning tobacco in the Provincial Correctional Centre and Prince Correctional Centre.

"June 1st will mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the Smoke Free Places Act in PEI," said Attorney General Ballem. "This process will lift the only exemption in the Smoke Free Places Act, fulfilling government's commitment to smoke free public places and workplaces."

Current activities include conducting education sessions, providing smoking cessation programs for inmates and staff, and training and consultations with other jurisdictions and justice and health partners. Partners include government departments, specifically with Addictions Services in Health and Social Services and Occupational Health and Safety in the Workers Compensation Board, as well as the PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance and its members including the PEI Cancer Society, the PEI Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the PEI Lung Association.

Information will be made available through the government Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/hss/smoke-free.