An Act to Amend the Smoke-Free Environment Act, 2005 Proclaimed

  • Children, Seniors and Social Development

October 17, 2018

Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that an Act to Amend the Smoke-Free Environment Act, 2005 is now in effect. This newly amended legislation will further protect public health by applying the same prohibitions currently in place for smoking tobacco and vapour products to the smoking or vaping of cannabis.

The Smoke-Free Environment Act came into force in June 1994 with the primary goal of reducing the public’s exposure to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke in indoor public places and workplaces. Since that time, the act has had numerous amendments, which include prohibiting the smoking of tobacco, hookah (water pipes) and vaping (e-cigarettes) products in indoor public places and workplaces. The same restrictions are now in place with regard to cannabis.

Progressive changes over the years to tobacco legislation is one component of government’s approach to tobacco control that also includes public health and awareness, taxation, school and community programs, and cessation supports and services. As outlined in The Way Forward, the Provincial Government is committed to reducing smoking rates by four per cent by 2025. Currently, the provincial smoking rate is 21.7 per cent and this target will bring the province to the national rate of 18.1 per cent.Quotes
“As a government, we are pleased to proclaim an Act to Amend the Smoke-Free Environment Act, 2005. By strengthening the act, we are able to ensure the appropriate restrictions are in place, thereby providing greater public health protection and a more consistent approach in indoor public places and workplaces. We remain committed to reinforcing that smoking and vaping is harmful, and by making these legislative changes, we build on progress made with respect to policies for the prevention and reduction of harm of tobacco, vapour products and hookah.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

– 30 –

Learn More

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Cannabis Site

Government of Canada Cannabis Site 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
GinaMacArthur@gov.nl.ca

2018 10 17 9:45 am