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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Smoke Free Campus Policy

Classification number ADM 1316
Framework category Administrative
Approving authority President
Policy owner Vice-President, Administration
Approval date June 2019
Review date June 2022
Last updated Editorial Amendment May 30, 2022; June 2019
Supersedes Campus Smoking Policy, December 2005

Purpose

The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all University Members. The purpose of this Policy is to address the risks of exposure to (second-hand) smoke by prohibiting Smoking on campus.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy the following definitions apply:

“Smoke” or “Smoking” means the act of inhaling, exhaling, burning, holding or carrying any lit or active cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or other apparatus used for Smoking substances, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaporizers and other electronic inhalant-type devices.

“Space” means any location owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by the University.

“University Member” means any individual who is

  • Employed by the University;

  • Registered as a student, in accordance with the academic regulations of the University;

  • Holding an appointment with the University, including paid, unpaid and/or honorific appointments; and/or

  • Otherwise subject to University policies by virtue of the requirements of a specific Policy and/or the terms of an agreement or contract.

“University Vehicle” means a University owned or leased vehicle, including fleet vehicles. An employee’s own vehicle is not considered a University Vehicle for the purposes of this Policy.

Scope and Authority

This policy applies to all University Members, visitors and guests in any University Space.

University Members are expected to contact the Office of Student Life or the Human Resources Department with requests for the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Tobacco may be burned on campus as part an approved event that includes Indigenous cultural ceremonies. Events will be approved in advance under the Booking and Use of University Space Policy.

The Vice-President, Administration, or successor thereof, is the Policy Owner and is responsible for overseeing the implementation, administration and interpretation of this Policy.

Policy

The University recognizes that:

  • The majority of University Members do not Smoke;
  • Direct contact with second‐hand, side-stream smoke, and vapour constitutes a considerable source of annoyance and a health hazard;
  • Formal smoking policies are recognized as an effective way of reducing involuntary contact with smoke and vapour in workplaces;
  • Accommodation should be made where possible for University Members who do not smoke;
  • Compliance with this policy will also reduce potential fire hazards.

General

  1. All individuals, whether they be students, staff, faculty or visitors, who are in violation of this policy are required to provide a valid and accurate student or government issued identification on request from Security.
  2. Non-compliance with this Policy will follow progressive protocols that include educations, warnings, fines and disciplinary actions in accordance with existing student, staff and/or faculty disciplinary procedures, as applicable.
  3. There will be no Smoking in:
    a. Any University Space, whether indoor or outdoor.
    b. Any University Vehicle;
    c. Any vehicle in University Space (e.g. University parking lots or loading docks.)

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed as necessary and at least every three years. The Health and Safety Officer, or successor thereof, is responsible for monitoring and reviewing this Policy.

Relevant Legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter 0.1, as amended
Cannabis Control Act, 2017, SO 2017 c.26, as amended
Places of Consumption, Ontario Regulation 325/18, as amended
Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017, as amended
Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations, SOR/2016-230, as amended

Regional Municipality of Durham By-Law Number 66-2002, as amended

Related Policies, Procedures & Documents

Accessibility Policy

Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities Procedures

Procedure for On-Campus Medical Cannabis Use by Students (in development)

Booking and Use of University Space Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Student Code of Conduct