Capilano University values wellness, and the adverse impact of smoking and second-hand smoke are well known and extensively supported by peer-reviewed research.
The new Smoking and Vaping Policy (pdf) has been developed to address smoking and vaping on CapU's campuses.
A risk assessment was conducted which examined options from going completely smoke-free to having multiple designated smoking areas (DSA) on campus. It was determined that due to the risk of discarded, used cigarettes which could potentially ignite a fire in CapU's forested location (amplified by the extreme environmental factors the campus faces during the summer, with high to extreme fire hazard warnings), it is unsafe for the campus to move towards being smoke-free.
The current bylaw does not address the issue of secondhand smoke. Due to air flow, some have complained that they are still exposed to secondhand smoke as they can still smell smoke through open windows and air intake vents.
Effective August 15, 2019, this policy applies to everyone on CapU property. This includes students, employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, board members, as well as visitors. This policy is in effect 24 hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays even when the University is closed. Public events, such as concerts and athletic competitions, must also abide by this policy.
The new policy includes holding or smoking lighted tobacco, cigar, pipe, hookah, electronic cigarettes or other lighted smoking equipment that burns or vapes vapour products, tobacco, plant products (including cannabis), herbal products or any other substance.
Provincial legislation treats tobacco products and non-tobacco products similarly. Therefore, ecigarettes are included in the policy. The tobacco industry heavily markets e-cigarettes as a cessation device, although they have not been approved by Health Canada for this purpose.
This policy will accommodate the burning of tobacco products and sacred plants (red willow bark, sage, calamus root, sweetgrass braid, cedar and poplar leaves) where it is a feature of an Indigenous ceremonial activity.
There are two DSAs on the North Vancouver campus, situated near Bosa and Birch.
At Sechelt, the DSA is found near the southeast corner of the campus.
CapU Lonsdale will not have a DSA, but will follow the District of North Vancouver Bylaw 7792, subsection 3(d), which requires a smoke- and vape-free perimeter around the building of six meters minimum.
The DSAs will have seating, some shelter from the elements and a receptacle for safely discarding cigarette butts.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all vehicles parking on campus property. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all CapU-owned vehicles, regardless of location.
All students and employees are required to abide by applicable laws, policies and guidelines, including the WorkSafeBC Fitness for Work Guideline, Standards of Conduct for employees and the Student Code of Conduct for students.
These documents do not themselves necessarily prohibit use of cannabis or tobacco off-campus, but address the impairment behavior on campus involving or resulting from use of tobacco and cannabis.
Yes. Students and visitors are expected to comply with the policy in student residences. The smoking area at CapU Residence is located to the east of the dining hall, in front of the Cypress building.
No, neither classroom nor coffee break times will be extended.
Enforcement measures will be dependent upon the level of the nature of the infraction, where the infraction occurred and the person's relationship with CapU. Additional training will be provided to Campus Security on expectations for enforcement and approaching people who are in violation of the policy.
CapU will continue to focus on raising awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and vaping, and will continue to provide support to members of the community who desire to quit smoking/vaping via cessation programs.
If you feel comfortable, you may approach the person and remind them of the smoking policy, and ask them to move to a DSA. Below is a proposed script:
"I don't know if you are aware, but the University has created designated smoking/vaping areas. The closest is (Bosa, Fir or Birch). I'd appreciate it if you would smoke/vape there."
If they respond rudely or aggressively or they simply ignore you, don't engage or argue with them. Instead please contact Campus Security at 604 984 1763.
Please remember, body language and voice tone are 90% of communication.
Keep your eyes on the prize: their moving to a designated area (without losing face or feeling bossed around).
If you are uncomfortable approaching the person violating the policy, you can call Campus Security and ask them to respond.
CapU has a list of smoking cessation resources available through Frontlines (Employees only).
In addition, employees can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) to obtain more information on smoking cessation.
The Employee and Family Assistance Program offers smoking cessation assistance. Furthermore, the B.C. Smoking Cessation Program helps eligible B.C. residents who wish to stop smoking or using other tobacco products by:
- covering 100% of the cost of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products (specific nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, inhaler), or
- contributing to the cost of specific smoking cessation prescription drugs (cost depends on your PharmaCare plan).
It covers 12 weeks (84 days in a row) of treatment once each calendar year for residents.
Human Resources, Student Affairs, Campus Security and Occupational Health and Safety.