Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act
Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act
The new laws around the sale, display, promotion and use of tobacco and vapour products came into effect on Sept. 1, 2016. On that day, all retailers and users of these products were required to adjust their practices to meet the requirements of the new Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Regulation.
How does this affect schools?
All persons are prohibited from smoking, using tobacco/vapour products, and possessing tobacco/ vapour products in or on school property (Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act).
It is prohibited for students, under the age of 19 to possess, share or purchase vapour products, whether or not the vaping substance contains nicotine.
It is illegal to give, sell or provide any vapour products to someone under the age of 19.
Our School & District Codes of Conduct have been updated to meet these new regulations. Therefore, students are prohibited from the use and/or possession of vapour products on school property or at any school function and it does not matter if the vaping substance contains nicotine or is nicotine free.
What is a vapour product?
A vapour product or electronic cigarette is defined as a device that contains an electronic or battery-powered heating element that can vapourize an e-substance.
An e-substance is a solid, liquid or gas that when heated by the element in and e-cigarette, produces a vapour for use in an e-cigarette. All e-substances are covered by the new legislation and it does not matter if the e-substance contains nicotine or is nicotine-free.
Both the device and the e-substance are subject to restrictions on sale, display, promotion and use.
What is the legal age to buy/use a vapour product?
It is illegal to give or provide any vapour products to someone under the age of 19. Any adult over the age of 19 can purchase a vapour product upon presentation of government-issued identification (e.g. a passport, driver’s licence or identification card with a photograph) can be used to confirm a person’s age.