Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis on and in Division Property and at Division Functions

Purpose

To reflect the Board of Trustees’ (the Board) mandated responsibility and expectation for providing a welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning and working environment throughout the Division.

To establish expectations regarding alcohol, tobacco and cannabis on and in Division property (this includes Division vehicles) and at Division functions.

Definitions

Alcohol is the intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol or ethanol. 

Cannabis is a broad term used to describe the various products derived from the leaves, flowers and resins of Cannabis plants, synthetic cannabinoids, and/or medical cannabis. Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: smoking, vaporizing, eating or using water pipes. 

Tobacco and tobacco products are composed in whole or in part of tobacco, including tobacco leaves and any extract of tobacco leaves. Tobacco can be consumed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco. 

Tobacco-like products are any products that mimic and are consumed in a manner similar to a tobacco product. Tobacco-like products can be consumed in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: smoking, using electronic cigarettes, vaporizing, or using water pipes or hookahs. For the purpose of this policy, tobacco-like products do not include regulated nicotine replacement therapy products.

Policy

The Board believes that the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, tobacco-like products and cannabis on or in Division property or at Division functions is inappropriate.

Traditional tobacco is an important part of First Nations and Métis cultures. The Board recognizes that the ceremonial use of tobacco as part of cultural practice is appropriate in the Division.

Expectations

1. ALCOHOL
   1. The possession and/or consumption of alcohol is prohibited on and in Division property and at Division functions.
   2. The Superintendent has the authority to approve the serving of alcohol on Division property provided it is not a Division sponsored function that would include students.
   3. The Superintendent has the authority to approve Division students performing at venues where alcohol is available.
2. TOBACCO AND TOBACCO-LIKE PRODUCTS
   1. The use of tobacco and tobacco-like products is prohibited on and in Division property and at Division functions.
   2. Traditional use of tobacco for ceremonial purposes is permitted on Division property or at Division functions.
3. CANNABIS
   1. The possession and/or consumption of cannabis is prohibited on and in Division property or at Division functions.
   2. Notwithstanding Section C.1 of this policy, the possession and/or consumption of cannabis may be permitted for medical accommodations only when prior approval has been obtained as per Division-established processes.

Accountability

The Superintendent will be responsible for implementing this policy through appropriate administrative regulations and communication with Division stakeholders, including staff, students and parents/guardians.

References