Ash Wales Communicate, Collaborate, Celebrate; Conference 2010

Plenary Speakers

Mr. Denis GertlerDirector, Tax Programs Project Office - Ontario Ministry of Revenue

Abstract Title: Ontario’s Initiative to Ban Smoking in Motor Vehicles with Children Present

The focus of the presentation is to describe the Amendment to prohibit smoking in Motor Vehicles with Children Present, discuss its emergence on the Province’s agenda and reveal how it was implemented. The Amendment will be discussed with reference to the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, a comprehensive tobacco control initiative led by the Ontario government with tobacco control advocates in the province. The presentation will also address the mix of circumstances that convinced the government to reverse its position and sponsor the new law. The presentation will conclude with thoughts on the policy’s role in advancing smoke-free initiatives in Ontario.

Author Biography:

Denis Gertler has worked as a public servant, consultant and administrator in the public, private and non-profit sectors. In government, Denis has held a succession of senior staff and management positions in central agencies and line departments including Tourism and Recreation, Culture, Finance, Management Board Secretariat, the Attorney General, Labour, Health Promotion and Revenue. During the past decade he has led initiatives across the public service to modernize regulatory practice in Ontario and more recently, implemented the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and related programs addressing tobacco-use prevention and smoking cessation. Denis is currently coordinating efforts across Ontario to combat the production, distribution, sale and use of contraband tobacco.