Smoke and Vape Free Environment

Under the direction of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA), places providing child care must be smoke-free and vape-free at all times, even if children are not present. This includes any outdoor spaces that children use, and applies to child care centres, places where home child care is provided, and places where an early years program or service is provided.

The sale of tobacco or vapour products is also prohibited in child care centres and places where home child care is provided.

Smoke-Free Ontario Act – Fact Sheet

Check out this Smoke-Free Ontario Act fact sheet to find out more on how the Smoke-Free Ontario Act affects child care professionals.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 requires that the owner, proprietor, or person in charge of a child care centre, home child care, or early years program ensure that the law against smoking and vaping is respected in their facility.

These administrators must:

• Give notice to the employees and visitors to the facility that smoking and vaping is prohibited.
• Post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances, exits and washrooms of the facility, in appropriate locations and in sufficient numbers, so that everyone knows that smoking and vaping is not permitted.
  • These signs are available through the Health Unit.
• Ensure that no ashtrays or similar items remain in the facility.
• Ensure that no one smokes or vapes in the facility.
• Ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws does not remain in the facility.

• The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), 2017 is enforced by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. The proprietor responsible for a child care centre, home child care, or early years program who fails to fulfill their responsibility under the act may be charged with an offence and if convicted, could face a maximum fine. For fine amounts and more information, read the SFOA fact sheet linked on the previous page.
• Many studies have shown that children are at greater risk than adults from exposure to second-hand smoke. This is because children have smaller airways and breathe more rapidly, causing them to inhale more pollutants relative to the size of their bodies. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk for coughs, pneumonia, asthma, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Children exposed to smoking and vaping are also at an increased risk for cancers and heart and blood vessel diseases in adulthood. Children learn by example and may witness habits that can impact them for a lifetime. As a child care provider, you are in an excellent position to encourage a smoke-free and vape-free lifestyle.

• View the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, for more information.
  • You may also obtain information on the SFOA by calling toll-free: INFOline 1-866-532-3161 or TTY 1-800-387-5559
• For specific information and resources relating to smoking and vaping laws applicable to child care centres, home child care, and early years programs, contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808(toll free). You can:
  • Ask questions related to the SFOA
  • Access “No Smoking/No Vaping” signs to post in your facility

Children spend a lot of time in the child care setting, putting child care professionals in an excellent position to promote healthy behaviours and prevent the misuse of tobacco products. The Health Unit’s Tobacco and Substance Use webpage has teaching resources on smoking and vaping for educators.