Smoking Restrictions Policy

To help provide a healthier working and learning environment for the Seneca community in recognition of the health hazards associated with smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke and in keeping with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act and local bylaws, e.g. the City of Markham’s Cannabis Bylaw.

This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, contractors, leasehold tenants or other persons on Seneca property or in Seneca-owned vehicles.

Smoking tobacco, cannabis or other materials and holding lighted tobacco or other materials intended for smoking. This includes the use of all types of e-cigarettes (“vaping”), or any other implement or device used to emulate the act of smoking which involves the production of any airborne contaminants or substances and includes all forms of pipes, water pipes, holders, instruments, etc. that are used for similar purposes.

An outdoor area on Seneca property, where smoking is permitted, subject to applicable municipal bylaws, e.g. cannabis smoking/vaping is illegal at Seneca’s Markham Campus under the City of Markham’s Cannabis Bylaw. These areas are identified by one or more of the following: signage, ground markings, combustible waste receptacles and/or a smoking shelter.

All students, employees, public and other visitors to Seneca.

Any real property, including grounds, buildings, structures, facilities and motor vehicles, aircraft and watercraft that are owned, leased, licensed and operated by Seneca.

1. All members of the Seneca community shall comply with this policy at all times.
2. Any employee or student observing a violation of this policy should report the violation to Campus Security.
3. Within the scope of their responsibilities, administrators and Campus Security have a general duty to ensure policy compliance. They shall work towards ensuring this policy is observed, adhered to and complied with and shall appropriately address concerns brought to their attention regarding policy violations.

1. Any individual who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action through current Collective Agreements, employee Terms and Conditions of Employment, the Student Code of Conduct and any internal contracts and agreements with leasehold tenants, vendors or contractors. Failure to observe the requirements of this policy may also result in personal fines enforced by provincial offences officers with authority to enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act.
2. When requested by Campus Security personnel or any other Seneca official, all Seneca staff and students are required to identify themselves by showing proper identification.
3. Supervisors will impose appropriate disciplinary measures on receiving a report of an employee in violation of this policy.
4. The Student Conduct Office will impose appropriate disciplinary measures on receiving a report of a student in violation of this policy.
5. Members of the general public who refuse to comply with this policy may be removed from Seneca property.

1. Employees, students or visitors wishing to lodge a complaint against Seneca with regard to violations of the Smoking Policy should contact Campus Security by phone or by email:
   
   Newnham Campus: ext. 22565
   Markham Campus: ext. 77565
   Seneca@York Campus: ext. 33565
   King Campus: ext. 55265
   Email: seneca.security@senecapolytechnic.ca

    

• None

• None

• Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act
• City of Markham Cannabis Bylaw
• Designated smoking areas
• Smoke-Free Ontario Act
• Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 709, Smoking

Last Revision: October 2018