Provincial Smoking Ban At Hospitals Means Steep Fines

By: Nick Liard

Changes to provincial smoking laws at hospitals will mean a bigger fine if caught lighting up at health facilities.

As of January 1st fines of up to $250 can be issued to anyone who smokes within nine metres of the hospital entrances.

Media Rep Dan Lessard says it will be up to the Health Unit and security guards to enforce the smoking ban.

Lessard says it’s a tough one to enforce but something they will be closely monitoring.

The ban also includes the use of E-cigarettes.

Health Sciences North does have a designated smoking area, and have been enforcing their own smoking ban since 2014.