Smoking to be banned by May 1 in eight provincial jails in Nova Scotia
 
HALIFAX, Jan 17, 2001 (The Canadian Press via COMTEX) -- Nova Scotia's
provincial government has ordered guards and prisoners at eight provincial jails
to kick the smoking habit by May 1. Justice Minister Michael Baker said
Wednesday it's meant to promote a healthier environment. He says the move to a
tobacco-free environment will be gradual.
 
The process of weaning the inmates off tobacco will begin with voluntary
programs. Specific living units throughout the institutions will be designated
as smoke-free.
 
The government will be offering smoking cessation programs and healthy snacks,
like juice, celery sticks and popcorn, to help the inmates quit.
 
Inmates and staff will also be issued patches used to help reduce smoking and
nicotine chewing gum.
 
 
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 KEYWORD:          HALIFAX
 SUBJECT CODE:     national
 
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