KPU to ban smoking on all campuses and properties. Image / KPU Twitter
Kwantlen Polytechnic University announced it will ban smoking on its premises, starting Jan. 21, 2018.
The ban is effective on all KPU campuses and properties, including inside private vehicles while those vehicles are located on KPU property.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, killing 37,000 Canadians every year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society,
“We didn’t make this decision lightly,” said Dr. Alan Davis, KPU president and vice-chancellor. “A task force of employees, faculty and students deliberated at length over the many options and possibilities, ultimately concluding that a full ban was the best way forward.”
The new policy will be implemented at the start of National Non-Smoking Week. Resources and support for smokers who are interested in quitting will be made available.
Davis said the goal is to create a learning and working environment that promotes the overall health and wellness of students and staff at KPU.
Once the policy is in effect, individuals who do not abide may be given a notice of violation by campus security. Supervisors will discuss the violation with employees, while students who violate the policy will be subject to guidelines found in the school’s student conduct policy.
KPU is the third smoke-free campus in B.C., following in the footsteps of Emily Carr College of Art + Design and Trinity Western University.
