Why do so many people smoke in Montreal?

Question

And the great majority of them throw their butts on the street! It's one of the few things that really look ugly in this city.

There is people protesting against too much English being used in stores, but why don't they protest against too many arrogant people polluting and scaring visitors away by smoking just too much??

I'd protest for that, anyone would join me? If not then why?

Oh my god, some people are so stupid. My point is not that smoking is SCARY, but nobody likes to go to a city where everywhere it smells bad because there are too many people smoking, it is disgusting, it pollutes both the air and the image of the city. If people throw their butts on disposals it would be much better but most of them don't even bother. I really hope this would change. Montreal is a beautiful city besides that.

Answer 1

Smoking in Quebec has been ingrained in the French culture here in Quebec for several decades. The most famous Quebecer associated with smoking was Rene Levesque, who was rarely seen in public without a cigarette hanging from his lip or in his fingers.

It is a dirty and disgusting habit that I am glad I never picked up, even though my parents and both grandmothers all smoked. My father was forced to quit due to heart trouble, and my maternal grandmother died of lung cancer.

The Quebec Ministry of Health is making efforts to curb the smoking of people here. As of a year ago, you can no longer smoke in a bar or nightclub (although this is presently being challenged in the courts by a series of bar owners). There is also no smoking in public buildings and at most workplaces. The law stipulates that smokers must stay at least 9 metres (about 30 feet) away from any hospital entrance or exit.

However, people in Quebec still smoke outside and in their cars, and the butts end up getting thrown wherever they fall, since most do not use the supplied ashtray even if one exists.

I did hear somewhere that Montreal was going to try and enact a littering law regarding cigarette butts. However, the object is so small and unless a cop is walking by and sees you throw it, how do you enforce it? "..What? Moi? No officer, that is not mine. I only smoke Du Maurier and that is an Export A..."

As for protesting, I am not out to squash someone's right to light up outside or in their car or in their own home, and enjoy a breath of carbon monoxide, tar, and carcinogens. I only protest if they are interrupting my right to breath in places like elevators, washrooms, and restaurants.

Answer 2

It doesn't surprise me. Quebec has the largest percentage of smokers over all the other provinces. With more smokers (voters) I don't know if you would get a government that would put forward progressive changes or just maintain the status quo with the population happy.

I just hope they don't look at it as this bad habit is okay because it is another way they are a distinct society.

Answer 3

Smoke hides the poor hygiene smell

Answer 4

Famous for smoked meats.

Answer 5

the french always do. Spanish are even worse for it!

Answer 6

ooohhhhh look mommy a scary man smoking.....oooh that so scary....maybe if he was on fire.....