Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Proposes Regulatory Amendments to Prohibit Use of Medical Marijuana Vaporizers in Workplaces
Date: March 15, 2016
On March 10, 2016, the Ontario government introduced Bill 178, Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act, 2016. If passed, Bill 178 would amend the Smoke Free Ontario Act to provide for prescribed products and substances, in addition to tobacco.
Among other things, Bill 178 would prohibit a person from smoking a prescribed product or substance or holding a prescribed product or substance in any enclosed public place or any enclosed workplace. Every employer with an enclosed workplace or other specified area must ensure compliance with these prohibitions, give applicable notice to its employees and post the requisite signs.
The government is also seeking input on regulatory proposals under the Smoke Free Ontario Act and the Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2015. Among other things, the proposals include expanding the “no smoking rules” to apply to medical marijuana and prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes, including vaporizers to consume medical marijuana, in specified areas including enclosed workplaces.
Comments on the regulatory proposals are due April 24, 2016.
