Laws that ban smoking in all enclosed public places kick in at midnight Tuesday in both Canadian provinces Ontario and Quebec. The change is expected to be much more dramatic in La Belle Province.

The new laws ban smoking in public places that are indoors or enclosed, including bars, restaurants, bingo halls, shopping centres, and other facilities — even tents and churches.

In Quebec any business owner who allows illegal smoking will be fined $400 for a first violation of the new law.

Ontario plans to phase in its legislation gradually. Although the law is also tough — banning cigarettes even in enclosed smoking rooms or partially roofed patios — the province plans to initially hand out warnings instead of fines to violators.

As well, people in many Ontario municipalities — including Ottawa and Toronto — have long faced bans on smoking in many public spaces.

Quebecers, on the other hand, have rarely been forced to butt out.

The provincial health minister, Philippe Couillard, recognizes the tremendous cultural shift that is about to take place in the province. But he said he is confident Quebec can handle the challenge.

"If Ireland can ban cigarettes from their pubs, I'd be extremely surprised if Quebecers cannot do the same," he said.