Tobacco-use, both smoked and smokeless tobacco, is banned in schools and on school grounds. The Tobacco Control Act supports healthy environments for students and families in the school community and applies to everyone, not just students and staff.
The legislation applies at all times of the day – even when there is no school – to the grounds surrounding schools or independent schools. This includes:
- Athletic fields;
- Parking lots;
- Green space; and
- Spaces rented or leased by other groups if it is owned or operated by the school or school division.
If a business or college is located on property that is owned or operated by an elementary or secondary school, tobacco use will not be permitted in or around the business or college.
The legislation does not apply to colleges, universities, or businesses that are not located on elementary or secondary school grounds.
Dealing with tobacco use on school property
Most tobacco users start before the age of 18, making it important to ensure that our young people do not start to use tobacco. If you find students or others from the school using tobacco on your property, you should:
- Politely ask them to relocate to a public area near their school such as a community park, if you feel comfortable.
- Inform your local school of the incident so that they are able to remind students and others to respect the property of others.
- If the issue persists, please contact the Ministry of Health.
Tobacco Enforcement Officers, with ticketing authority, will be available to schools.
The law does not require people to quit using tobacco; it simply asks them to refrain from tobacco use on school property.
View and Vote
Saskatchewan students in grades 6 to 12 participated in the View and Vote program, and voted for the TV ad that would help them stay tobacco-free or make them think about quitting.
2014 Ad Chosen by Saskatchewan Students: “Terrie’s Tip Memorial”
View and Vote gives grades 6 to 12 students an opportunity to view 12 of the world's best anti-tobacco TV ads. Teachers guide students as they watch the ads, and encourage them to discuss the consequences of using tobacco. Students select the ad they feel is the most effective in helping them stay tobacco-free or make them think about quitting.