The BC Experience October, 2007

Approach in BC Reduce exposure for residents in MUDs Educate Housing Providers – it’s legal Increase VOLUNTARY smoke-free policies Toxicity of the smoke – not the person who smokes

What have we done? Develop Relationships & Partnership Be Informed: Gather Data Be Prepared: Develop Resources Educated Others Recommended Policy Guidelines Identified Opportunities Sought Funding

Develop Relationships Key players - advice and challenges Focused on non-profit housing association (BCNPHA) Partnered with BCNPHA to educate members across province

Partners

Other partners NSRA CCTC Canadian Smoke-free Housing Coalition

Gather Data Collect relevant demographics Identify business case Identify extent of problem Identify smoke-free places –60% households rent in some areas –86% of BCers are smoke- free –Untapped market –Reduced cleaning costs –Fewer complaints –30% of all renters have experienced SHS in BC –Global Agencies –Envy – Condo –Westin / Marriott Hotels

Develop Resources Fact Sheets Legal precedents & arbitration successes Legality of smoke-free policies

Clean Air Coalition of BC website

Educated Others Workshops - public/private housing Industry forums & conventions Presentations at BCNPHA annual Distributed educational letters through partner’s distribution systems Prepared articles

Educate & Raise Awareness Assisted residents with SHS problems Lobbied Greater Vancouver Housing Corporation Requested intervener status in human rights tribunal case

Lobby for Policy Guidelines Lobbied Residential Tenancy Branch to enhance their Policy Guideline on ‘Quiet Enjoyment’ (e.g. Noise) Wrote Minister of Housing

Opportunities Landlords and the legal authority Perception smoking is legal – SHS nuisance Belief that the home is the castle

Opportunities Grandfathering clauses Economic argument Resources – money and time Learn from lessons in the past

National Website

Next steps in BC Received funding to implement Smoke-free Housing – aged 19 to 29

Next steps in BC Primary Components include (con’t) –Smoke-Free Housing Pilot Project Recruit Participants Develop Strategic Plan for implementing Smoke-Free Policy Implement Smoke-Free Policy Track Progress and Lessons Learned –Community Forums Develop workshops Recruit participants from housing industry Implement forums Identify partnership opportunities Identify interested participants for Pilot Project

Next steps in BC Received funding to implement Smoke-free Housing – aged 19 to 29 Maine video

Contact Sharon Hammond Jack Boomer