Letter from Public Health Association of BC re: Tanning Bed Legislation

Public Health Association of British Columbia #210 – 1027 Pandora Avenue Victoria, BC V8V 3P6 Phone: (250) 595-8422 / Fax: (250) 595-8622 www.phabc.org

The Honourable Christy Clark Premier of British Columbia P.O. Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E1 Premier@gov.bc.ca

April 18, 2012

Dear Madam,

As President of the Public Health Association of BC, I am writing to congratulate your government on the introduction of legislation to ban commercial tanning bed use by young people under the age of 18 years. This is a step that recognizes the evidence on harmful exposure to ultraviolet radiation and puts the health of citizens first. Many of our members advocated for this legislation and are pleased with the Government’s responsiveness to their concerns.

I also want to acknowledge the successful approach of engaging a cross section of interested organizations in the Tanning Bed Working Group because this provided a forum for informed, evidence-based discussion and a careful consideration of various points of view. We also appreciate that government recognized the limitations and problems that self regulation by the industry entails. In a time when we often see reluctance to regulate industry, it is commendable that you have taken this step to protect the health of British Columbians.

I also want to acknowledge the work of individual citizens such as Linda Jeaurond. As with other citizen activists she has shown courage and dedication to bring the issue to life and raise the awareness of all of us.

Again congratulations on this important piece of public health legislation.

Marjorie MacDonald President PHABC

CC: Michael de Jong Minister of Health Dr. P. Kendall Provincial Health Officer