Our Tobacco and Vapour Control program protects you from the harms of tobacco use, vaping, and second- and third-hand smoke.
Tobacco and Vapour Enforcement Officers regularly conduct inspections and compliance checks. If you see a retailer selling tobacco or e-cigarettes to a minor, please report it to your local Tobacco and Vapour Enforcement Officer at tobaccoandvape@interiorhealth.ca.
Legislation is a key tool in reducing tobacco and vapour product use, and protecting youth from accessing tobacco and vapour products. Legislation also protects you from the harmful effects of second- and third-hand smoke and vaping aerosols.
In B.C., the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation restricts the display, promotion, and sale of tobacco and vapour products (e-cigarettes) to minors, and protects the public and employees from harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
In B.C., the E-Substances Regulation restricts the sale, distribution and packaging of vapour products. All e-substances are covered by legislation and it does not matter if the e-substance contains nicotine or is nicotine-free.
Vapour products (also known as e-cigarettes) are devices that contain an electronic or battery-powered heating element that can vaporize an e-substance (e-juice).
Contact your local Tobacco and Vapour Enforcement Officer at tobaccoandvape@interiorhealth.ca if you have any questions regarding:
All public and private kindergarten to Grade 12 schools in B.C. are tobacco and vape-free under the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation. This ban extends to all school property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of whether or not school is in session. The ban also includes vehicles, parking lots, sports fields, driveways, courtyards and private vehicles parked on school property.
Our Toolkit – Vaping School Properties provides resources to school district staff and others who are working to address the use of vapour products among youth.
School compliance information is available to advise both public and private schools of their responsibilities for showing reasonable care and diligence with the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Regulation and the and the E-Substances Regulation.
The following resources are also available:
Interior Health is committed to promoting the health of our patients, employees and residents of the communities we serve.
For resources to help people reduce or stop using tobacco or vapour products, visit our Tobacco, Cannabis & Vaping page.
IH’s Smoke-Free Environment policy means that smoking and vaping are not permitted on our owned and/or operated premises, facilities, grounds and vehicles.
For patients in hospital who smoke or vape, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available to help you remain comfortable during your stay. Talk to your doctor or health-care provider if you would like assistance.
If you are an Aboriginal patient and interested in the traditional use of tobacco, please discuss with your IH Aboriginal Patient Navigator.
Families, visitors and outpatients are asked to not smoke or use e-cigarettes while on our property.
Second- and third-hand smoke and vaping aerosols put your health at risk.
Third-hand smoke is the toxic chemicals in smoke that stick around even after the person has stopped smoking. Third-hand smoke is trapped in hair, skin, fabric, carpet, furniture and toys.
Contact the Tobacco and Vapour Prevention and Control Program at tobaccoandvape@interiorhealth.ca for more information or questions.
The Tobacco & Vapour Prevention & Control Program protects the public from the harms of tobacco use, vaping, second- and third hand smoke. We work with communities, First Nations, schools, health professionals, and community partners to prevent and reduce tobacco and vapour use.
For information on preventing and reducing tobacco and vapour use, visit our Tobacco, Cannabis & Vaping page.
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