Lakehead University to Vote on Smoke-Free Campus

(March 23, 2004. Thunder Bay, ON.) Thursday, March 25, to Wednesday, March 31 are important dates for both smokers and non-smokers at Lakehead University. On these dates, a referendum is being held to determine whether the campus should be completely smoke-free - or not.

Lakehead students, faculty, and staff are urged to cast their vote. A "yes" vote would ban smoking completely effective July 1, 2004 on all University buildings, including Residences, and outside on all University grounds and property. Lakehead is the first university in Canada to put this issue to a vote. A "no" vote would maintain status quo, where smoking on campus is allowed at designated locations. A "yes" vote will make Lakehead University the first university to ban smoking on its campus in Ontario, and the first university in a non-urban setting to do so.
To ensure that all prospective voters have easy access to a ballot, voting is taking place online, and a link will be provided to students, faculty, and staff starting March 25. The referendum is being promoted to the campus community through email, bulletin board notices, and the media.

Michael Pawlowski, vice president administration and finance, says: "Lakehead University is aligning itself with planned provincial legislation that, within three years, would ban smoking in public places and workplaces. The City of Thunder Bay at the last municipal election voted to be smoke-free effective July 2004, and the University community now has the opportunity to decide what to do within its campus."

Sean Hannaford, president of the Lakehead University Student Union adds: "This is one of those defining moments. We encourage everyone to cast a vote."

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Interviews: Michael Pawlowski and Sean Hannaford are available for interview.

Contacts: Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications 343-8372; Bev Bicknell, Executive Assistant to the President, 343-8577