Given that it's hardly been a controversy in nine other provinces, one might wonder why banning children from using tanning beds would be controversial here.

But the Saskatchewan Party seemed to struggle with imposing regulations prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds for those under 18 years of age. In fact, just six days ago Health Minister Dustin Duncan told reporters his government wasn't about to follow Alberta's lead and pass such a law.

In fairness, Duncan did talk about "ongoing discussions" and maybe looking at Alberta's decision.

But protecting children's health should be an automatic no-brainer and tanning regulations should have been in place in Saskatchewan long before now. Or so the Sask. Party seemed to conclude as it announced Monday Saskatchewan youth would be prohibited from using tanning salons by this summer.

"Our government's goal is to protect the health of Saskatchewan residents," Duncan said in a news release.

"Our young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor tanning, and this is one way we can help them lower their risk of melanoma."

That said, maybe the Sask. Party government's news release still wasn't quite as assertive as it could have been.

It stressed the need to carefully monitor "developments on the issue" and make "every effort to be thoughtful about this issue, to gather as much information as possible, and to be aware of different perspectives before proceeding."

Regulations will be developed through consultations with interested stakeholders and government will "continue to support public education efforts aimed at raising awareness of the risks of indoor tanning, and encouraging people to make healthy lifestyle choices."

Really? Why would you need to throw a conciliatory bone to anyone? You just acknowledged: "Young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor tanning and this is one way we can help them lower their risk of melanoma." What is there still to consider?

Continued here:

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