HALIFAX (AP) -- A bid by a small Nova Scotia town to ban smoking in vehicles carrying children is being applauded by the Canadian Cancer Society, which dismissed criticism that the law is too intrusive by citing the evolution of anti-smoking laws across the country.

The town council of Wolfville, about a hour's drive north of Halifax, made history as all seven councilors voted in favor of the bylaw - the first of its kind in Canada.
Meg McCallum, a spokeswoman for the cancer agency, said the bylaw is part of a societal shift that began years ago when similar bans were placed on airplanes, followed by workplaces, restaurants and bars across much of Canada.
""It's all about what's best for children and youth,"" she said from Halifax. ""This is part of evolving to a culture where being tobacco-free is the norm.""
The law, expected to come into effect June 1, 2008, would prohibit exposing children under 18 to secondhand smoke in a vehicle.
Nova Scotia already has a ban on smoking in public places - Wolfville led the way on that front, too.
And according to Health Canada, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec have since enacted similar laws.
Wolfville Mayor Bob Stead has insisted the law is not about ""hunting for people who are violating the bylaw,"" but raising awareness.
""For the most part, it's a matter of bringing to people's attention the health risks that are associated with smoking in cars, particularly for children,"" he said in a recent interview.
The town plans to launch an educational campaign this week to warn residents about the new bylaw and draw attention to the harm caused by secondhand smoke in vehicles.
But the bylaw will not be just a token for the anti-smoking movement, the mayor said.
First-time offenders can expect a warning, but a subsequent offence will result in a fine of about $50.
""If we come across it, we will react appropriately,"" he said, adding that the RCMP will help enforce the bylaw.
Signs will be posted at entry points into the community - a popular tourist destination - to make motorists aware of the law.
On the other side of the debate, Ms. McCallum acknowledged the law could prompt concerns about the infringement of civil liberties - as did seatbelt legislation many years ago.
""
[People asked] 'Isn't this a violation of my right? Shouldn't I be able to do what I want in my own vehicle?' "" she said. ""Yet that legislation is now long-standing, and there are very few individuals who would question putting on a seatbelt in a car.""
(Source: theglobeandmail.com)