The Ontario government hopes to get tanning bed legislation in place before youth under 18 can step into beds this winter.
Health minister Deb Matthews and government house leader John Milloy issued a statement on the government's plan to fast-track Bill 30.
“We have a shared responsibility to help protect our young people in their everyday lives,” they said in the statement. “We urge all parties to keep their promise to pass this life-saving legislation as soon as possible."
The province introduced legislation to restrict those under 18 from using tanning beds in March. If passed, the Skin Cancer Prevention Act will help protect Ontario's young people who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds, say provincial officials.
Matthews says the opposition blocked progress on Bill 30 last spring by needlessly extending debate on three other bills for more than 55 hours - far more than required.
On Sept. 11, the Liberals will move forward with a programming motion in order to quickly pass this life-saving bill into law by the end of September.
“All-party support next Wednesday will ensure that this legislation is passed into law before more youth use tanning beds this winter, preventing the needless risk of more harm caused by skin cancer,” said Matthews.
