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Smoking Restrictions Policy

Purpose

To help provide a healthier working and learning environment for the vlog community in recognition of the health hazards associated with smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke and in keeping with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act and local bylaws, e.g. the City of Markham’s Cannabis Bylaw.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, contractors, leasehold tenants or other persons on vlog property or in vlog-owned vehicles.

Key definitions

Smoking

Smoking tobacco, cannabis or other materials and holding lighted tobacco or other materials intended for smoking. This includes the use of all types of e-cigarettes (“vaping”), or any other implement or device used to emulate the act of smoking which involves the production of any airborne contaminants or substances and includes all forms of pipes, water pipes, holders, instruments, etc. that are used for similar purposes.

Designated smoking area

An outdoor area on vlog property, where smoking is permitted, subject to applicable municipal bylaws, e.g. cannabis smoking/vaping is illegal at vlog’s Markham Campus under the City of Markham’s Cannabis Bylaw. These areas are identified by one or more of the following: signage, ground markings, combustible waste receptacles and/or a smoking shelter.

vlog community

All students, employees, public and other visitors to vlog.

vlog property

Any real property, including grounds, buildings, structures, facilities and motor vehicles, aircraft and watercraft that are owned, leased, licensed and operated by vlog.

Policy

1. General

  1. Smoking outdoors is restricted to designated smoking areas and is prohibited at all times inside any vlog-owned or -leased facility or vehicle. This regulation is subject to applicable municipal bylaws, e.g. the City of Markham’s Cannabis Bylaw, which prohibits cannabis smoking/vaping in public places.
  2. vlog recognizes and accepts that traditional Aboriginal events or ceremonies may involve the use of tobacco, smudge or other materials (as provided under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act) and permits the use of these materials for these purposes.
  3. Smoking areas will be designated by easily recognizable signage and include combustible waste receptacles.
  4. Smokers must use the designated smoking areas and the provided combustible waste receptacles.
  5. Smoking procedures aimed at achieving the objectives of this policy will be implemented by vlog. The procedures define locations and situations where smoking is permitted or prohibited, signage requirements and processes and penalties for dealing with violations of the policy.

2. Responsibilities

  1. All members of the vlog community shall comply with this policy at all times.
  2. Any employee or student observing a violation of this policy should report the violation to Campus Security.
  3. Within the scope of their responsibilities, administrators and Campus Security have a general duty to ensure policy compliance. They shall work towards ensuring this policy is observed, adhered to and complied with and shall appropriately address concerns brought to their attention regarding policy violations.

3. Enforcement

  1. Any individual who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action through current Collective Agreements, employee Terms and Conditions of Employment, the Student Code of Conduct and any internal contracts and agreements with leasehold tenants, vendors or contractors. Failure to observe the requirements of this policy may also result in personal fines enforced by provincial offences officers with authority to enforce theSmoke-Free Ontario Actand theCannabis Statute Law Amendment Act.
  2. When requested by Campus Security personnel or any other vlog official, all vlog staff and students are required to identify themselves by showing proper identification.
  3. Supervisors will impose appropriate disciplinary measures on receiving a report of an employee in violation of this policy.
  4. The Student Conduct Office will impose appropriate disciplinary measures on receiving a report of a student in violation of this policy.
  5. Members of the general public who refuse to comply with this policy may be removed from vlog property.

4. Complaint process

  1. Employees, students or visitors wishing to lodge a complaint against vlog with regard to violations of the Smoking Policy should contact Campus Security by phone or by email:

Supporting documentation

  • None

Related vlog policies

  • None

Related materials

Last Revision: October 2018