It will be simpler for the Yukon government to bring forward its own anti-smoking legislation instead of making amendments to the Smoke-Free Places Act that was proposed by NDP Leader Todd Hardy.

That's the word from Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers.

Last Thursday in the legislature, Hardy argued against the government bringing forward an entirely new bill to ban smoking in public places, arguing instead for any amendments to be made to his bill.

The comments came after the all-party committee report on the public hearings for the legislation was tabled last Wednesday. In addition to a public smoking ban, it also proposes a number of changes, such as banning the sale of candy which has the appearance of tobacco products, like candy cigarettes, and banning the advertising and display of tobacco products in retail outlets.

Hardy brought forward a motion Thursday stating: 'That this house respond to the clear expression of support from Yukon people for comprehensive legislation to protect workers, children and others from the toxic effects of second-hand smoke by resuming its consideration of Bill No. 104, the Smoke-Free Places Act, at the earliest opportunity, with the intent of having legislation adopted before the end of the current sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.'

Cathers has stated, however, it will likely be the spring sitting of the legislature when the public smoking ban is adopted into legislation. A recommendation of the report proposes it be implemented in either the spring or fall to avoid the winter and prime tourist season.

'It's much more difficult (to bring it in as a private member's bill),' he said in an interview late last week.

Hardy's motion came forward as a private member's bill. That, Cathers argued, would take more time to work through, given the amount of time opposition members have in the legislature to propose legislation and have discussions on it. He noted the Department of Justice will also have to go through any proposed legislation before it's adopted.

Hardy argued,however, that with his Smoke-Free Places Act already through second reading and up for debate this Wednesday, it will take longer to have new legislation drafted and make its way through the process, delaying legislation even longer.

'Yukon is the last jurisdiction to have comprehensive legislation to restrict smoking in public places,' he said.

'Even Alberta has now taken a great leap forward to protect its citizens, and now the Minister of Health and Social Services wants to just dump Bill No. 104.'

Cathers has argued the new bill that will come forward next year will reflect the 'spirit and intent' of Hardy's bill.

He said it will incorporate the additional proposals which came out of the public consultation held throughout the territory when it's introduced next spring.