KAWARTHA LAKES-The Health Unit is reminding workplaces that they must clearly post reminders that smoking tobacco or cannabis – and vaping anything with an e-cigarette – are not allowed on their premises.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is offering free No Smoking/No Vaping signs that workplaces in Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes are legally required to put up in their premises. Under the updated Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), the signs must be posted at entrances, exits, washrooms and other appropriate locations to ensure that the public is aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed.
“The signs are a clear reminder to employers, employees and visitors that smoking tobacco, using e-cigarettes or smoking/vaping cannabis are against the law in any enclosed workplace and public place in Ontario,” says Jennifer Valcamp, a Health Promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit.
The signs are now available at any local Health Unitoffice in Port Hope, Lindsay and Haliburton. They can also be obtained by calling the Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1518 or ext. 2228.
The new smoking and vaping restrictions came into effect in October 2018 when the provincial government updated the SFOA. Full details about the smoking and vaping restrictions are posted on the Ontario government website (www.ontario.ca/page/where-
Over the past several months, especially after cannabis became legal in Canada last fall, the Health Unit has been working with workplaces in the area to update them on the new restrictions. Providing the free signs and other resources has been part of that education process, Valcamp notes.
As with any new legislation, the Health Unit will move ahead with “progressive enforcement,” she adds. “For cases in which workplaces break the smoking/vaping restrictions, we will be giving warnings for a short grace period to educate people about the new law,” Valcamp says. “However, within months, we will enforce the rules in theSmoke Free Ontario Act by issuing fines for non-compliance.”
If people smoke or vape where they are not allowed, they may be charged with an offence and subject to a fine if convicted. The fine can be $1,000 for a first offence, and $5,000 for any further offences.
