Smoking Policy

Background

In 1986, the City of Brandon enacted a by-law, By-law #5391/22/86, to regulate smoking in public places throughout the City of Brandon. "Smoke" or "smoking" includes the carrying of any lighted cigar, cigarette or pipe. "Public places" includes educational institutions such as Brandon University.

Section 13 of the By-law states:

Subject to Section 14, no person shall smoke in an educational institution.

Section 14 of the same By-law states:

Notwithstanding Section 13, smoking areas may be designated by the managing body except in areas where smoking is prohibited by other law, by-law or regulation.

(The University understands that "the managing body" is the Board of Governors.)
In part, the By-law generally prohibits smoking:

• in an elevator, or on a stairway or in a stairwell within any building or part thereof
• in any shelter including bus shelters
• while in a service line
• in a waiting area (with exceptions)
• in an area of a food service establishment.

The By-law also provides for:

• posting of signs
• offense
  • liable to a fine of not more than $100, exclusive of costs, upon summary conviction
• enforcement
  • the Police Department of the City of Brandon

Policy Objectives

It is the objective of this policy, within the context and provisions of the City of Brandon By-law #5391, and consistent with good health prac-tices, to limit and discourage smoking at Brandon University with the eventual objective to provide a smoke-free environment.

Policy Administration

This policy is a policy of the Board of Governors. Any amendments to it must be approved by the Board, and any questions as to its administration are ultimately the responsibility of the Board.

The Vice-President, Administration & Finance, with the assistance of all administrative and other supervisory staff, is responsible for the ongoing administration of this policy within the University. However, it is expected that all members of the University community will both respect the policy and encourage others to do likewise.

Procedures

The Vice-President, Administration & Finance, shall:

• take steps to make the University community aware of this policy;
• ensure that the facilities are properly posted; and
• implement an educational/stop smoking program.

Designated Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited within all University facilities and vehicles with the following exceptions (as permitted by the City By-law):

• lounges (faculty, staff and student) or designated sections thereof, provided that the majority of the (potential) users so agree and that the area is adequately ventilated;
• University Residences as determined by the Dean of Student Services in consultation with the Director of Residence Programs;
• President's Residence (University House) and car as determined by the President; and
• any other area assigned to a non-University user on a full-time and ongoing basis provided that the area is adequately separated from adjacent areas. (While these users may determine their own smoking policy within the context and provisions of the City By-law, they should be cognizant of the University's policy on this matter.)

Ash trays shall be available in those areas where smoking is permitted, and smokers shall be expected to use them.

Educational/Stop Smoking Program

The University shall implement an educational/stop smoking program to assist members of the University community to comply with this policy and to stop smoking.

Policy Implementation

This policy shall be effective once it has been approved by the Board of Governors, communicated to the University community, and signs posted. However, where current University employees smoke in their assigned office or work area, they may continue to do so, but only until 31 August 1991.

Policy Monitoring

This policy, as an extension of the City By-law, is enforceable under the provisions of that By-law. Alternatively or additionally, this policy, as a University policy, is enforceable as such.