Federal - Tobacco and its use is regulated at all levels of government in Ontario. The federal government regulates the manufacturing, promotion, packaging, and sale of tobacco products. They also regulate tobacco use products in workplaces governed by federal law. Federal law is enforced by Health Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada/Ministry of Labour, Canada Revenue Agency, Public Safety Canada/Canada Border Services and the RCMP. Read More

Provincial - The Ontario government regulates the promotion, sale of tobacco products, and where tobacco can be used. They also monitor tobacco vendors for the sale of contraband and counterfeit tobacco products through the Ministry of Revenue and the Ontario Provincial Police. Enforcement of other tobacco-related laws is delegated by the province to local health units. See Public Health Roles. Read More

Municipal - Municipal governments pass bylaws related to tobacco products and may regulate where tobacco can be used. They also ensure that tobacco vendors hold a municipal licence permit to sell tobacco products. Read More

Public Health Roles - Health units enforce and monitor the sale of tobacco products to people under 19 years old. They also enforce vendor laws regarding the sale and display of tobacco products. Health Units monitor smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. Health Units can be a municipal department. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is an independent organization funded jointly by the provincial and local municipal governments.

Enforcing the Law - Who to call when you think a tobacco related law has been broken depends on the offence. Read More