The Canadian province of Ontario has issued a law, effective Wednesday, which bans smoking in cars with children as passengers.

The new law is aimed at protecting children under 16 from the effects of second-hand smoke.
Premier Dalton McGuinty had initially opposed the ban, saying it was a slippery slope that infringed too much on people's rights, but he changed his mind in 2008 after a government backbencher introduced a private member's bill in the legislature.
Ontario joins Nova Scotia and several American states which have similar bans in place. British Columbia has passed a ban on smoking in cars when children under 16 are present, but it is not yet in force. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are considering similar bans, with the legislature in Prince Edward Island expected to take action in a few months. (pi)