Policy 58
Approved Administrative Committee 861.1NON SMOKING ON UNIVERSITY PREMISES
PURPOSE
1. This Non Smoking on University Premises policy (“Policy”) aims to regulate smoking at the University of Ottawa (“University”) in order to:
- (a) promote and preserve the health and well-being of the entire University population;
- (b) reduce and contain University users' and visitors' exposure to the harmful by-products of tobacco use;
- (c) comply with provincial legislation governing the sale and use of tobacco products and prohibiting the distribution of these products to youths under 19; and
- (d) comply with the municipal by-law that governs smoking at work and in public places.
2. Unless context dictates otherwise, in this policy, the following definitions apply:
- (a) "smoking" means carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other lighted instrument and "smoke" has a corresponding meaning; and
- (b) "school bus" means a public vehicle licensed for the purpose of transporting people to or from any activity, event or function associated therewith.
3. This Policy applies to all members of the University community, including but not limited to, academic staff, support staff, students, postdoctoral fellows, trainees and volunteers as well as to visitors of the University.
4. The Policy does not apply, however, to nicotine-replacement products.
5. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, covered locations, and other areas, including tunnels, parking garages, lobbies, stairways, etc., as is bringing lit tobacco products, except as stated under articles 10 and 11 below.
6. Smoking in any vehicle, including, but not limited to, school buses, patrol cars, vans, etc., operated by the University is prohibited.
7. Sectoral committees can recommend that outside areas be designated as non-smoking, if they see a need for this.
8. It is illegal to sell or supply tobacco to persons under 19. This covers all treated or untreated tobacco that can be smoked, inhaled, chewed or snuffed.
9. No person shall promote the sale of tobacco products through product association, product enhancement, or any type of promotional material, as prescribed.
10. Smoking is allowed in the following University areas or premises outside of University buildings, at least nine meters (30 feet) away from main entrances, ventilation shafts, loading zones and all other designated areas; the smoking ban must appear clearly on a readily visible sign posted at the restricted site.
11. Certain restrictions on tobacco use do not apply to traditional First Nations cultural and spiritual activities.
12. The University shall provide a prevention and education program in the University community on smoking cessation, prevention and education and on the use of tobacco in general.
13. The University shall ensure that a sufficient number of signs are conspicuously posted at the University so as to clearly identify that smoking is prohibited, as prescribed in the applicable government regulations.
14. Deans, directors, principal investigators and supervisors must ensure that this Policy is applied by staff, students and visitors and other members of the University community in the buildings and areas under their responsibility.
15. Protection Services shall see to the application of this Policy in public areas.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
16. University employees who violate this policy are subject to discipline under Policy 2d or under applicable collective agreements.
17. Non-University employees who violate this policy may be requested to leave the University premises or the University may take whatever measures it deems appropriate to ensure that this Policy is complied with by such persons, including, but not limited to, sending notices to municipal inspectors, under the City of Ottawa's by-laws on smoking in the workplace or in public places or to inspectors appointed by the Minister of Health under the Tobacco Control Act.
18. Ontario law and City of Ottawa by-laws provide for fines in case of violation. These fines can be given to individuals or to legal entities (under article 15 of the Smoke Free Ontario Act, under article 14 of the Public Places Non Smoking By-Law or article 11 of the Workplace Non Smoking By-Law).
19. Disciplining, penalizing, constraining, dismissing, intimidating or suspending employees for complying with-or for asking others to comply with-this policy is prohibited.
20. No exception may be made to this Policy without the written consent of the Administrative Committee.
(Human Resources Service)