Cape Breton University is moving to a smoke-free campus, effective October 17, 2018. The new Smoke-Free Campus Policy coincides with upcoming cannabis legislation, covers smoking tobacco and cannabis as well as the use of e-cigarettes and hookahs, and applies to students, employees, contract service workers and visitors to campus. There will be two designated smoking areas on campus to ensure safety.
“We’re committed to providing a healthy and safe living and learning environment to our students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus. Our new Smoke-Free Campus Policy allows us to strengthen that commitment, and, given our location on the Sydney-Glace Bay Highway, is the best approach in order to maintain safety,” says David C. Dingwall, President & Vice-Chancellor. “I am very pleased that we are changing our culture to one of clean air and a clean environment.” According to the Department of Transportation, the daily traffic count on the Sydney-Glace Bay Highway is 25,000.
The cannabis legislation has also resulted in the amendment of several other policies including the Student Code of Conduct and Residence Agreement and the addition of a new Substance Use Policy. Under these policies, employees and students are expected to be at work and in class unimpaired, cannabis cannot not be grown in residence, and employees are prohibited from using cannabis during work hours or on university property. Cannabis use is permitted on the campus, in designated smoking areas, as long as its usage doesn’t violate other policies.
For people who are ready to quit smoking, cessation programs are available through Human Resources, the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre or by calling 8-1-1. As well, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, a four-week smoking cessation program will be held on campus in November and ongoing education in harm reduction, such as Cannabis and Your Health, are being planned.
“We know the detrimental impact smoking has on the health and well-being of smokers and others. Our new Smoke-Free Campus Policy is a step toward a healthier campus and ensures the right supports are available to people who are ready to quit smoking,” says President Dingwall.
For more information about CBU’s Smoke-Free Campus Policy, visit www.cbu.ca/smokefree-campus.