Decision to Implement a Total Smoking Ban at All Federal Correctional Facilities

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will move to a total smoking ban by April 30, 2008 to improve health and safety in all operational units. This total ban will apply to all federal correctional facilities.

CSC has had an indoor smoking ban since January 31, 2006. An in-depth evaluation, followed by recent consultations with unions, stakeholders, partners and inmate committees, was done to identify challenges and difficulties with the implementation and enforcement of the current indoor ban.
CSC also contacted provincial, territorial and international correctional organizations. The vast majority of provinces and territories have already implemented total smoking bans inside and outside their detention facilities.

Further action is needed to ensure we achieve our goal of eliminating exposure to second hand smoke. CSC is currently developing implementation plans for the total smoking ban. Appropriate accommodations will be made for Aboriginal and other offenders whose religious and spiritual practices could be affected by the total ban.

CSC is committed to providing a healthy and smoke-free environment for offenders, staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors.