Administrative Procedure 150: Smoking and Vaping on Board Premises
Legal References
Education Act: Section 265 Duties of Principal - Care of Pupils and Property; Education Act: Part XIII - Behavior, Discipline and Safety; O. Reg. 298 Operation of Schools: Section 20 Duties of Teachers - Consistent Disciplinary Practices; O. Reg. 298: Section 23 Requirements for Pupils; Guideline - Ontario Schools Code of Conduct; Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017; Cannabis Control Act, 2017; Cannabis Act, 2018
Related References:
Administrative Procedure (AP) 351 Code of Conduct; AP 352 Promoting Positive Student Behaviour; AP 353 Student Suspension; AP 356 Substance Abuse by Students
1. A Healthy Working and Learning Environment
The Director of Education has developed this administrative procedure to provide a healthy working environment for the district’s staff, and a healthy learning environment for Avon Maitland District School Board students. This procedure is intended to ensure that adverse health effects from tobacco and cannabis use and vaping (use of electronic cigarettes), as well as second-hand smoke and vapour, are minimized.
2. Definition
Smoking includes the act of smoking and/or the holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (medical or recreational).
Vaping includes the use of an e-cigarette with any substance.
3. Prohibition of Smoking and Vaping
3.1 The smoking or holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (medical or recreational) and the use of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) to vape any substance is prohibited on all properties (land and buildings), public areas within 20 metres from school property perimeter, board-owned vehicles and contracted school buses during and outside of classroom hours. This prohibition includes private vehicles parked on board property.
3.2 This administrative procedure extends to all events sponsored by Avon Maitland District School Board.
3.3 Leases to organizations renting property shall include a provision banning smoking and vaping on board property.
3.4 Staff members will not use tobacco products, vape, or smoke cannabis while supervising students or student activities, including during field trips or athletic
events held on or off board premises.
4. Procedures
4.1 It is the responsibility of the principal or other on-site supervisor to implement this procedure at all board properties and work sites.
4.2 The ban on smoking and vaping is to be communicated to all people (employees, students and visitors) who use or frequent board property.
4.3 The ban on smoking and vaping will be clearly marked at all entrances to board buildings and the property.
4.4 The success of this administrative procedure will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and co-operation of everyone involved. In the event of a conflict,
people are encouraged to resolve the matter themselves. If this proves unsuccessful, the matter should be brought to the attention of the appropriate supervisor. In any dispute, the Director of Education’s ruling is final.
4.5 Failure to comply with this Administrative Procedure may result in internal student discipline (e.g. warning, notification to parents/guardians, withdrawal of privilege, suspension, etc.) and/or charges or fines issued by an Officer of a Provincial Enforcement Agency.
Amendment March 2019