Belleville, Ontario, October 15, 2018 – As part of Loyalist College’s commitment to Health and Wellness, recreational cannabis will continue to be strictly prohibited on College property as of October 17 when the Federal Government’s Cannabis Act, also known as Bill C-45, comes into effect. With the subsequent introduction of the Ontario Government’s Bill 36, Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018, allowing cannabis smoking wherever tobacco is permitted as of October 17, Loyalist will move toward becoming a smoke-free campus on January 1, 2019.
Loyalist is introducing Fit to Learn and Fit to Work College operational policies and procedures, which outline the expectation for students to be fully prepared to learn and participate in campus activities. Students are expected to not use impairing substances – legal or illegal – that will negatively affect their ability to learn or perform activities safely and competently. Similarly, all employees and contractors working at the College are expected to not use impairing substances – legal or illegal – before or during work hours that will negatively affect their ability to perform duties safely, competently and efficiently.
“Loyalist is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy and productive environment for students, staff, faculty and guests,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO. “We are educating the College community on the health risks associated with cannabis use, as well as smoking and second-hand smoke. Students and employees who wish to stop smoking can access cessation resources and support through Loyalist.”
As of January 1, smoking or vaping tobacco will be prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas, and in vehicles on campus, by any person at the Loyalist Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope Satellite location.
Visit loyalistcollege.com/smokefree for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
About Loyalist College
Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, a deliberate choice of students and community for quality programs and student engagement, enabled by a creative, innovative and supportive organizational and learning culture. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist prepares students for rewarding careers through more than 70 full-time diploma, advanced diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media studies, skills and technology. Through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements, many Loyalist diploma graduates earn a degree in as little as one additional year. Continuing education options are also available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses. The College is a key driver of social and economic health in rural-urban eastern Ontario. It contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product, representing $530 million annually to the regional economy – based on a 2014 report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Loyalist collaborates with industry partners in various fields on applied research projects, creating amazing learning experiences for students and faculty. The College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC) is Canada’s only College with a laboratory approved to conduct research with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.
– 30 –
Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536