Smoke-Free Ontario

Smoke_Free Ontario
Posted on 12/14/2018
As of January 7, 2019 the local public health unit will enforce in our school community the new 20 metre no smoking, no vaping rule as outlined below.  Specifically, this applies to the property lines of SHS, Loughborough Public School and The Point.  The following is taken from a Government of Ontario fact sheet for schools: 

How the Act Affects:  Schools
The Basics 
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits the smoking of tobacco, the use of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to vape any substance, and the smoke of cannabis (medical and recreational) in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public spaces, as well as other designated places in Ontario, to protect workers and the public from second-hand smoke and vapour. 

Smoking refers to the smoking or holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (medical or recreational). 

Vaping refers to inhaling or exhaling vapour from an electronic cigarette or holding an activated electronic cigarette, whether or not the vapour contains nicotine. 

Public School and Private School Property 
Smoking and vaping is not allowed in public and private schools, including the grounds associated with the school, and public areas within 20 metres of any point on the perimeter of the grounds of the school. 

It is also illegal to sell tobacco and vapour products in public schools and private schools.

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Details . . . 
All persons are included in this legislation.  Our local area health unit does enforcement and a first fine is $305.  A second offence could mean a court appearance.  If a student under the age of 15, an automatic court appearance is required.  A progressive approach to enforcement will be used.  There are provisions for a warning.

We met with many students today to share this information and to brainstorm together how they can follow the new law.  Information is also being provided to staff.

More information about quitting (including an app) can be found at https://breakitoff.ca/. 

For more information on the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website: ontario.ca/smokefree.