Sheridan is committed to promoting a healthy and safe working and learning environment for all of our community members. As you may be aware, Sheridan has been working toward the establishment of smoke-free campuses since 2012, when designated smoking shelters were first introduced in Oakville and Brampton.
Earlier this year, the President’s Executive Council executed a plan to implement a smoke-free policy across all campuses by Spring 2019. However, with the provincial government’s recent announcement regarding permitting the smoking of cannabis wherever tobacco smoking is allowed, it’s been decided to swiftly institute a smoke-free policy.
Please be advised that Sheridan campuses will be 100% tobacco and smoke-free effective October 17, 2018, when cannabis legalization takes effect.
What Does This Mean?
Smoking any form of tobacco and/or cannabis, vaping and use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (commonly known as chewing tobacco) will not be permitted anywhere on Sheridan campuses as of October 17, 2018. The new policy accords with Ontario legislation which makes consumption of recreational cannabis in the workplace illegal. In accordance with applicable legislation and the Workplace Accommodation Policy, Sheridan will provide accommodation for the medical use of cannabis.
What Support Systems Are Available?
Sheridan understands the decision to use tobacco or cannabis products is a personal one. Sheridan is committed to offering smoking cessation support for individuals who wish to quit. A variety of cessation resources are available for employees through our established network of community partners, the Employee and Family Assistance Plan and through Sheridan’s Smoking Cessation Reimbursement Procedure. A full list of available resources will be provided on sharecleanairsheridancollege.ca later in the week.
What’s Next?
All staff and students are invited to take part in information sessions to ask questions and discuss the new policy. The sessions for Sheridan employees will be held as follows:
- Davis Campus: Friday, October 12 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Davis Residence Conference Room)
- Trafalgar Campus: Friday, October 12 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. (B-Wing Boardroom, second floor)
- HMC: Monday, October 15 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Lecture Hall, A145)
To request accessibility information or accommodation for these sessions, please contact sharecleanair@sheridancollege.ca or dial extension 2216 or 2754.
A comprehensive smoke-free policy offers many benefits, including a cleaner and healthier working and learning environment, reduced risk of fire from cigarette refuse, and reduced exposure to secondhand smoke. To date, more than thirty Canadian universities and colleges/institutes across Canada have implemented smoke-free policies. Sheridan has consulted closely with other post-secondary institutions to help ensure a smooth transition for the entire Sheridan community. For comprehensive details about the new policy, please visit sharecleanair.sheridancollege.ca later in the week.
If you have any questions or require this information in an accessible format, please email sharecleanair@sheridancollege.ca.