Effective February 1, 2024, the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapour products in Saskatchewan increased from 18 to 19.
Tobacco use, both smoked and smokeless tobacco, as well as vapour products are banned in schools and on school grounds. The Tobacco and Vapour Products 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 and vapour product use on school property
Many tobacco and vapour product users start before the age of 18, making it important to ensure that our young people do not start to use tobacco and vapour products. If you find students or others from the school using tobacco or vapour products 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 Tobacco Enforcement Officers in Regina at 306-766-7755 or Saskatoon at 306-655-4605.
Tobacco Enforcement Officers, with ticketing authority, will be available to schools.