UNBC is committed to supporting the health and wellness of all members of the UNBC Community, and to providing a safe and healthy, smoke and vape free environment, for students, faculty, staff and visitors. The UNBC Smoke and Vape-free Places Policy supports that commitment and ensures compliance with legislated and regulatory requirements.
All smoking is prohibited in all buildings or enclosed spaces including vehicles, and on all premises, land and property, owned, managed or leased by the University, with the exception of locations that are specifically designated by UNBC for smoking.
Prince George Campus Smoking Zones
All members of the UNBC community share a collective responsibility to maintain a clean, healthy, and safe working and learning environment and to positively comply with this policy and ensure people are aware of it. Whilst at the Prince George Campus UNBC security will be responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of this policy, all members of the Community are encouraged to approach individuals not observing the policy. Ongoing complaints to non-compliance with this policy should be referred to either the Security or Safety offices.
Smoking cessation programs and support
The University recognizes tobacco as an addictive substance and provides awareness and education to assist employees and students who smoke or use tobacco products and wish to quit.
Students can seek assistance from the UNBC Health Services.
Employees can seek assistance from Kristi Muchalla, HR Service Partner- Employee Health and Wellness
In addition, Homewood Health Life Smart Coaching Smoking Cessation Program is a resource to help you quit smoking.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
As of September 1, 2016, two significant changes were made and the regulatory body names changed for the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act (RSBC 1996) c. 451 and the BC Tobacco Vapour and Control Regulation (TVPCR).
- In addition to tobacco smoking or holding lighted tobacco, the prohibited activities in proximity to a doorway, window, or air intake of an indoor workplace have been expanded to include the use of an e-cigarette or holding an activated e-cigarette
- The prescribed distance restricting prohibited activities from a doorway, window, or air intake of an indoor workplace has been increased from 3 metres to 6 metres
Other regulatory and compliance resources
- BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation - Part 4, General Conditions: Environmental Tobacco
- City of Prince George Smoke and Vape Free Places Bylaw No. 8591, 2016
- BC Human Rights Code (RSBC 1996) c. 210
FAQ
What will happen if I smoke outside the designated areas?
We expect that everyone will be considerate, and voluntarily support this clean air initiative on campus. This program is intended to be self-enforcing and respectful to smokers and non-smokers alike. Signage has been added around campus to remind people to smoke only in designated areas and the information is included in orientation. If you feel that additional signage is required in a particular area, please email safety@unbc.ca with the specific location and your concerns.
Do other universities have similar policies?
Yes, many other Canadian universities have even implemented completely smoke-free campuses. Locally, the City of Prince George brought in an amended Smoke and Vape-free Places bylaw in December 2016, which prevents smoking and vaping in a number of indoor and outdoor spaces. These include parks, fields, and bus stops, within six metres of a sign- post, within twenty-five metres of any outdoor sports facility or playground or in a place of public assembly, hospital or health clinic.
Why are e-cigarettes included in the smoking policy?
Health Canada continues to advise Canadians not to use e-cigarettes as they may pose health risks. Furthermore, Health Canada has not approved the sale of nicotine-based e-cigarettes in Canada. For additional information, please go to http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php.
Why isn’t all of UNBC smoke-free?
Although the negative effects of tobacco use are well known, some individuals continue to smoke and smoking remains a legal activity.
How will these restrictions be monitored?
This is our campus and we all need to do our part to communicate the restrictions. Education is preferred over enforcement. Members of the community who see people continuing to smoke in non-smoking areas are encouraged to provide information about the designated smoking zones, through this website and the UNBC SAFE app. Campus Security staff will also monitor the non-smoking zones and help provide education.
How do I approach someone and ask them to stop smoking in a restricted area?
Some people may still be unaware that they cannot smoke in a particular spot and we need to remember that most smokers want to do the right thing. Be friendly and polite, acknowledging that the smoker may not be aware that a particular area is smoke-free. Calmly request that the smoker puts out their cigarette or moves away because smoking is not permitted in that area. Be respectful and courteous but firm. If they move away or extinguish the cigarette, you could say, “thank you for your understanding”. If they respond with aggression or anger, walk away; at the Prince George Campus notify Security (250-960-7058) of the location and the interaction; at other locations please contact a supervisor and email safety@unbc.ca.