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7.8 Smoke Free Policy

7.8 Smoke Free Policy

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This online version is for convenience; the official version of this policy is housed in the University Secretariat. In case of discrepancy between the online version and the official version held by the Secretariat, the official version shall prevail.

Approving Authority: Board of Governors

Original Approval Date: July 1, 2002

Date of Most Recent Review/Revision: November 14, 2024

Office of Accountability: Chief Human Resources and Equity Officer (CHREO)

Administrative Responsibility: Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Management (SHERM)

1.00 Purpose

1.01 The primary purpose of this Policy is to enable the overall health and well-being of all Members of the University Community through education, awareness, and promoting a smoke-free environment. This Policy also serves to:

a. Confirm Laurier’s commitment to a healthy and safe environment;

b. Acknowledge that some traditional spiritual or cultural ceremonies involve the use of ceremonial tobacco as per policy 7.14; and

c. Ensure that the University complies with contractual obligations, legislation and municipal smoking by-laws.

2.00 Definitions

2.01 Electronic Smoking Device(s): means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.

2.02 Member(s) of the University Community: means persons who currently live, work, or study on any Laurier campus or location. Members include students (including Student groups), employees, adjunct and visiting faculty, and volunteers at Laurier.

2.03 Smoking: means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted or heated Smoking Products intended for inhalation. Smoking also includes the use of an Electronic Smoking Device, which creates an aerosol or vapour, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device.

2.04 University Facility/Facilities: means all buildings and grounds, owned, leased or operated by the University, including without limitation outdoor playing areas, parking, athletic and recreational fields and all University residences and housing.

2.05 University Vehicle or Equipment: means any vehicle or equipment rented, owned, or leased by the University. This includes any and all modes used for transporting people or goods, such as a car, golf cart, truck, snowmobile, boat, bus and motorcycle. 

3.00 Jurisdiction/Scope

3.01 This policy applies to all Members of the University Community, Visitors, and contractors while on University Facilities, or in University Vehicles or Equipment.

3.02 This policy does not apply to cannabis or tobacco use in research where the research meets all regulatory, animal care and ethics approval requirements, and appropriate protections for environmental health and safety are in place as per 11.14 Policy for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

4.00 Policy

4.01 Smoking is prohibited in all University Facilities and in all University Vehicles.

4.02 The selling, promoting and advertising of smoking products on University Facilities, University Vehicles and University digital channels is prohibited, as described in Policy 13.3 Advertising and Sponsorship.

4.03 The University recognizes and supports the use of tobacco for traditional indigenous or other spiritual events and is permitted, as described in Policy 7.14 Indigenous Use of Traditional Medicines.

4.04 Exemptions to this policy may apply where reasonable accommodation is required. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4.05 Compliance and Enforcement of this policy will be in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures and/or collective agreements. The nature of enforcement will depend on the individual’s relationship with the University, the nature of the infraction, and the place in which it occurred.

4.06 Appropriate signage will be placed at all entrances to buildings and at other locations as may be necessary to support this policy. The Department of Facilities and Asset Management will arrange for all signage.

4.07 The University is committed to providing resources and education and awareness, prevention and harm reduction about smoking products to students and employees.

4.08 All smoking products brought on to any University Facility/Facilities must be legally obtained. Smoking products in or on University Facilities must be stored in sealed, scent-proof containers.

Relevant Legislation

Related Policies, Procedures and Documents

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