Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology announce interim smoke-free policy

Campuses become smoke-free effective Monday, October 15

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – The health and safety of Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s campus communities are of the utmost importance. With this in mind, both institutions are introducing an interim smoke-free campus policy.

As of Monday, October 15, smoking and/or vaping of any type, including tobacco, cannabis and shisha, is prohibited anywhere on the shared north Oshawa campus, DC’s Whitby campus and the university’s downtown campus location. This includes all student residences. The policy applies to all members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors.

The university and college have discussed becoming smoke-free for more than a year, sharing a concern about the well-known risks and negative impacts of second-hand smoke. Given Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis use on Wednesday, October 17, and the Government of Ontario’s introduction of Bill 36, the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 (allowing cannabis smoking wherever tobacco is permitted), it was determined a smoke-free policy was needed.

With a goal of having the permanent policy in place in early 2019, consultations with the campus community will begin shortly to understand its potential impact.

It is understood many people will have questions during this adjustment period. The traditional burning of substances that form a part of Indigenous culture and heritage such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, and cedar, among others are exempt from the university’s and college’s smoke-free policy. The institutions will also work with those requiring accommodations for medical cannabis prescriptions to develop an individualized plan to accommodate their needs.

More information about the interim policy, next steps, support resources and FAQs are available on each institution’s website:

 

Quotes

“As an institution of higher learning it is imperative that we live our values. We desire a community where we can study, work and play in a healthy environment for mind and body. Over the next few months we will consult with all campus stakeholders to ensure all resources for students, faculty and staff are in place as we build a permanent smoke-free policy.”

–Steven Murphy, president and vice-chancellor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“With the announcement of our smoke-free campus, Durham College and the university are joining over 65 other institutions across Canada in placing an imperative on wellness. I am proud of the leadership role we have taken in providing a healthier environment for our students, employees and the broader community. As we begin the process of changing behaviours on campus, we are also working to provide additional support through educational programs and resources, as this new policy guides the college towards a cleaner future.”

–Don Lovisa, president, Durham College

 

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Media contacts
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (mobile)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

 

Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
289.688.2776 (mobile)
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

 

About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and the delivery of innovative market-driven programs responsive to the needs of students and industry.

With more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in more than 90 programs, the university promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.

The university’s commitment to accelerating economic growth and social innovation is realized through faculty research collaborations with leading organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, IBM, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Durham Regional Police Service. To find out more, visit uoit.ca.