As of today, smoking is no longer permitted in all Housing NWT owned-and-operated units, including social housing. This change is part of the GNWT’s commitment to ensuring a healthier, safer living environment for all residents.

This new policy helps protect the health and safety of residents, especially children, Elders, and those living with health conditions like asthma. It will keep buildings safer and, in addition to residents, will also protect GNWT staff, local housing organization employees and contractors who work in these units. Importantly, the policy also aims to lower the risk of fires and reduce damage and maintenance costs over time. 

This rule does not apply to the ceremonial or cultural use of tobacco.

Designated smoking areas are established at social housing locations, and receptacles are available at Local Housing Organizations for use by all tenants. This policy does not require tenants to quit smoking, but it does mean smoking must take place outside of units, at least three metres away from any entrance.

It is understandable if this change is hard for some tenants. The implementation approach will focus on education and support, ensuring that tenants are fully informed about the ban and its benefits. Staff will share information and connect tenants with resources to help them adjust and avoid penalties. Evictions will only be considered as a last resort. 

To support tenants who smoke, the GNWT is working to make smoking cessation programs and resources available to all tenants. Residents looking to quit smoking can contact their local health provider or call 811 to talk to a licensed nurse trained to help people quit. Information can also be found at the NWT Quits website.

The Smoke-Free Housing Policy was informed by discussions with Indigenous governments through the NWT Housing Forum and the implementation of the Strategy for the Renewal of the NWT Housing Corporation. It reflects and responds to what was heard, including that Indigenous communities and vulnerable populations face increased risks from smoking-related fires and second-hand smoke.

The NWT is the last jurisdiction in Canada to implement smoking restrictions in social housing. With this policy in place, we are providing tenants with protection against the harms of second-hand smoke, similar to the protections offered to social housing tenants in other parts of the country.

The GNWT remains committed to implementing the smoking ban in a fair, respectful, and compassionate way, supporting tenants throughout the transition.

Quotes

“Safe, healthy homes are the foundation of strong communities. This smoking ban reflects the GNWT’s commitment to the health and safety of all NWT residents, especially our most vulnerable populations, like children and elders. By making units smoke-free, we are helping build healthier and safer living environments, reducing risks, and supporting long-term sustainability of our housing. I believe this will make a real, lasting difference for families and communities across the NWT.”

- The Honourable Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories

“Second-hand smoke is a real health risk, especially for children, Elders, and people living with chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease. This smoke-free policy supports our government’s focus on prevention and keeping people healthy where they live. By reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and lowering the risk of fires, we can help prevent illness, reduce pressure on the health care system, and support healthy people and communities across the Northwest Territories.”

- The Honourable Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick facts

• As of April 1, smoking is not allowed in all Housing NWT owned-and-operated units, to protect the health and safety of residents.
• The NWT is the last jurisdiction in Canada to implement smoking restrictions in social housing and market housing.
• Yukon implemented a smoking ban in public and government housing in 2012, and Nunavut followed suit in 2023.
• The implementation of this new smoke-free policy is being approached in phases, starting with new leases and renewals.
• The 7000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke interferes with and harms the immune system. This will put a commercial tobacco user at risk of more severe and longer-lasting viral and bacterial infections, especially of the lungs (for example, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis).
• Being exposed to commercial tobacco, whether through using it yourself or through second- or third-hand smoke, also puts you at risk for more than 16 different kinds of cancer and many other diseases like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.
• Being tobacco-free is one of the most important things a person can do to maintain good health and reduce their risks of early death.

Related links

• Lucy Kuptana: Smoking Prohibition in Housing NWT Units
• Tenant Education
• Health Effects of Smoking
• NWT Quits

For media requests, please contact:
Laura Busch
Manager, Communications, Housing NWT
Government of the Northwest Territories
NWTHC_Comms@gov.nt.ca

Communications, Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSS_Comms@gov.nt.ca