As of July 2024, the University of Waterloo will join over 100 universities and colleges in adopting a smoke-free policy.
According to a report released by the Canadian Cancer Society (2022), there is tremendous momentum towards making campuses 100% smoke-free in Canada, which includes outdoors. Becoming a smoke-free campus (i.e., tobacco, cannabis, and vaping) is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to foster a healthy and safe campus environment for all, and strengthens our commitment to the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, where it is our responsibility to create environments where health is embedded into campus culture and policy.
The move to become a smoke-free campus will be a breath of fresh air for many; however, we understand that it will be a significant change for some students, staff, and faculty.
The initial phase of the transition to a smoke-free campus focuses on comprehensive engagement with members of our community to inform the rollout of the change to Policy 29, including students, staff, faculty, and neighbours of the University.
The use of tobacco for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual smudging ceremonies is protected in the Ontario Human Rights Code and will be exempt from any changes to this policy. The University will also continue to meet other accommodations as required under the Code.
Please review the frequently asked questions for further information on this forthcoming change.
The University of Waterloo is committed to providing a healthy work and life environment for our students and employees. It is important to protect our community from unwanted and involuntary exposure to tobacco and passive smoke. Beginning on July 1, 2024, Waterloo will become smoke-free.
Supports for Quitting Smoking
Supports for Quitting Smoking Info session
Campus/Community Engagement
We recognize that effectively transitioning to a smoke-free campus will only be successful if it is informed by the campus community and if a high level of engagement takes place.
Students, faculty, and staff are being engaged in feedback activities to inform the development of the policy and the implementation plan.
Engagement activities have taken place with the following groups:
- Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo (AFIW), including:
- Conrad Grebel University College
- Renison University College
- St. Jerome's University
- United College (formerly St. Paul’s University College)
- Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
- Graduate Student Association University of Waterloo
- Graduate Student Relations Committee
- Faculty Relations Committee
- Indigenous Employee Resource Group
- Leadership Forum
- Office of Indigenous Relations
- Staff Relations Committee
- Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA)
The project is being guided by a group of leaders and team members from across campus:
Sponsors
- Chris Read - Associate Provost, Students
- Michelle Hollis – Chief Human Resources Officer
Core Working Group
- Robbyn Hesch, Health Promotion and Evaluation Specialist, Campus Wellness
- Mark Lisetto-Smith – Manager, Marketing and Communications, Human Resources - Communications
- Samantha Murray, Change Management Advisor, Human Resources
- Nadia Singh, Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support
- Jenn Willoughby – Director, Student Life Communications, UWaterloo Life Team
Guiding Group
- Alan Binns - Director, Special Constable Service
- Stepanka Elias, Executive Director, Plant Operations
- Jenny Flagler-George, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost
- Robbyn Hesch, Health Promotion and Evaluation Specialist, Campus Wellness
- Samantha Murray, Change Management Advisor, Human Resources
- Kate Windsor, Director of Safety, Safety Office
- Nadia Singh, Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support