Smoking issue raises questions
Students disciplined, but what about others?

Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Nov 13/98) - Does the no smoking policy on Department of Education property in Fort Simpson really have any teeth?

That was the question teachers wanted answered at the District Education Authority's annual general meeting on Monday evening.

Thomas Simpson school teacher Theresa Bezanson-Byatt noted that students who are caught smoking during school hours can be suspended and some have. But what about members of the general public? she asked.

"How are we going to get the community to buy in and support this policy?" she wanted to know.

DEA chairperson Gerard Fradsham admitted he didn't have any hard and fast answers.

"That's a good question. I guess we're going to have to come up with some ideas," he said.

The ban on smoking applies practically everywhere within the entire block, that includes the two schools, the playground, the students' residence, the steam plant and Dehcho Hall.

The arena parking lot, once property of the GNWT, is soon to be made village property, meaning students and staff won't be policed when lighting up there. In that case, there's nothing the DEA can do, Fradsham admitted.

To encourage compliance and lessen visibility, he said a letter has been sent to employees at Dehcho Hall asking them not to smoke, especially in the back of the building which faces the schools.

"The DEA recognizes that this is a harsh change," he said. "I feel it because I smoke lots myself. I can give up smoking for three or four hours or at least until coffee break, anyway."

When asked about public functions at the hall, Fradsham said whoever's name appears on the rental agreement will be responsible for upholding the no smoking policy. If a member of the public is seen smoking on education property, he suggested it would be best to cater to their conscience.

"If the community has any regard for the school itself, I believe the community member will extinguish the cigarette," he said. "I'm not willing to take a punch in the head over it."

DEA member Shane Thompson said there is simply no means of recourse, at this time, when it comes to a member of the public disregarding the policy.

"I'd like to have a shame list and print it in the paper all the time -- so and so was smoking in the corner and wouldn't butt out," he told those concerned.

Fradsham noted that the previous policy, which allowed for designated smoking areas, was abused by students and staff alike, therefore, it had to change. The new approach promotes better health practices, he noted.

"Personally, I think it's a good thing," he said. "I know it's going to be an uphill battle."