October 31, 2018: Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is working with municipalities, law enforcement, school boards, and local business to enforce compliance for the new Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
Under the new Act, tobacco products, vapour products, and cannabis (both medical and non-medical) are regulated under a single legislative framework.
“Public Health is responsible for education and enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Inspectors and Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of public places and workplaces and the public can register complaints with our Health Protection division,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “Our objective is to ensure these products are not sold to minors and to reduce the exposure of second-hand smoke and vapour in the community.”
Cannabis can only be smoked or vaped in the same places as tobacco products. It also prohibits any method of cannabis consumption (e.g. smoking, vaping, ingestion) in a vehicle or boat that is being driven or under a person’s care or control.
In addition, the new Act prohibits the smoking of tobacco, cannabis and vaping in the following areas:
- The outdoor grounds of community recreational facilities and the areas within 20 metres of the perimeter
- Public areas within 20 metres of the perimeter of the grounds of a school
- Public areas within 9 metres of a restaurant or bar patio
The Province of Ontario has passed the new Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017), which replaces and repeals the previous Smoke-Free Ontario Act and Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2015. For more information about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, please visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca/sfoa2017.
Media Contact
Chuck Ferguson, Communications Manager
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca