In Ontario, 4 out of 5 people are non-smokers. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) wants to make that 5 out of 5. Our role is to support and develop local programs to decrease the harmful effects of smoking, vaping and commercial tobacco.
We do that through a variety of approaches, including:
- Quit Smoking and Tobacco counselling
- Workshops and education
- Enforcement of the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA) 2017
- Vendor training
- Supporting prevention strategies to ensure young people don’t start smoking
- Providing information about tobacco use to the general public
Quit Smoking Services
Ready to quit? We can help people who smoke or use other forms of tobacco. For more information, please visit our Quit Smoking Resources.
Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017 Enforcement
Ensuring that provincial tobacco, cannabis and electronic cigarette (vaping) laws are followed is an important part of helping all of us lead healthier lives. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is mandated to conduct ongoing inspections where tobacco and e-cigarettes are sold and on school property. We also respond to complaints regarding smoking or vaping in enclosed workplaces/public places and smoke-free outdoor spaces (hospital grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, etc.).
Our goal is to ensure retailers comply with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017 through education and regular inspections. This is done by working with tobacco retailers, vendors of related products and workplace managers and supervisors by providing information and support to help them fulfill their obligations under the Act. For more information, please visit Smoke-Free Ontario Act Enforcement.
The TBDHU Tobacco Enforcement Unit can be contacted by calling (807) 625-5900.
For retailer/vendor training, please check back soon.
Youth & Young Adult Partnerships
The TBDHU supports youth and young adults to reduce smoking rates as well as decrease the use of alternative tobacco products like chew and vapes, in many ways by:
- Helping groups and community organizations to plan programs and activities through Tobacco Reduction in Youth Partnerships (TRYPs) (Scroll down to Smoking, Vaping & Tobacco section).
- Providing workshops for youth/young adults or for those who work with youth/young adults focused on a variety of tobacco products.
- Supporting the development of smoke-free/commercial tobacco-free policies in places where youth spend time.
To learn about upcoming workshops, visit our Clinics, Classes and Events calendar and filter by category "Smoking, Vaping & Tobacco".
For more information, please contact the TBDHU Youth Engagement Facilitator at (807) 625-5900
Smoke and Vape-Free Spaces
Public demand for smoke and vape-free spaces is growing. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which regulates smoking throughout the province, is constantly adapting to meet this demand. To find out the latest changes to the Act or for more information, please visit Where You Can't Smoke or Vape in Ontario or read our Smoke-Free Ontario FAQs page.
Communities in the District of Thunder Bay also have their own by-laws regulating smoking. If you have any questions, please check with your municipality directly.
Smoke-Free Housing
There are lots of advantages to living in or owning a smoke-free home. Although rental housing is not covered by the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, many building owners are choosing to go smoke-free voluntarily, and demand is on the rise. To learn more about smoke-free housing and your rights as a landlord, owner, or tenant visit https://smokefreehousingon.ca/
Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Tobacco Use
Despite the prohibition from smoking in an enclosed workplace or enclosed public place, Indigenous People have the right to use tobacco if it is being used for traditional, cultural or spiritual purposes. Indigenous residents of hospitals (public and private), long-term care homes and psychiatric facilities have a right to request an indoor area to use tobacco for traditional, cultural, or spiritual purposes.
Traditional tobacco, or semah, is a sacred medicine to many Indigenous peoples. Growing semah can bring people together in a good way and connect them to a healthy and healing way of life.
For Further Information
Call the Tobacco Control Program: (807) 625-5900
STOP on the Road: (807) 625-8340
toll free: 1-888-294-6630
Smokers’ Helpline: 1-877-513-5333