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Schools

Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 School Witness Report

The School Witness Report helps the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) support schools in addressing smoking and vaping concerns and maintaining healthy, smoke-free and vape-free learning environments.

Information submitted through the report helps the health unit determine appropriate follow-up, which may include education, consultation, warnings, inspections, or enforcement action where required.

Before You Submit

Schools are encouraged to address incidents through their existing school and board procedures before requesting health unit involvement. This may include progressive discipline measures, parent of guardian engagement, counselling supports, cessation resources, or other school-based interventions.

Please note:

  • Complete and submit the form in one session whenever possible, as information may be lost if you leave the page before submitting.
  • Submit only one report per incident.
  • Reports are accepted only for schools located within Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka.
  • Please complete all required fields marked with an asterisk(*).

Information You'll Need

Providing clear, factual information helps health unit staff understand the situation and determine appropriate next steps. When completing the report, please include the 5Ws:

Who?

  • Who was involved in the incident?
  • How was the individual's identity confirmed?
  • Were there any witnesses?

What?

  • What did you observe?
  • Include relevant sights, sounds, smells, behaviours, conversations, or other observations.

Where?

  • Where did the incident occur?
  • Be as specific as possible about the location.

When?

  • Date and approximate time of the incident.

Why?

  • Any additional context that may help explain the concern, such as repeated incidents or ongoing vaping or smoking activity.

Writing Your Witness Statement

Describe what you directly observed and any actions you took in response to the incident. Statements may be written in the first person and should focus on factual observations rather than assumptions or conclusions.

Sample Witness Statement

On March 10, 2026, at approximately 1:15 PM, I was conducting routine supervision in the student washroom adjacent to the library. Upon entering the washroom, I observed a student holding a vaping device and exhaling vapour. I also detected a vapour odour in the area.

I advised the student that vaping is not permitted on school property and escorted them to the administration office in accordance with school procedures. The student's identity was confirmed using school records, and school administration was notified for follow-up.

End of incident.

What to Expect After You Submit

Once your report has been submitted:

  • You will receive an email confirmation that your report has been received.
  • Reports are reviewed in the order they are received.
  • Most reports are assigned to a Tobacco Enforcement Officer within 3-4 business days. 
  • The assigned Tobacco Enforcement Officer may contact you if additional information is required.
  • Follow-up may include education, consultation, a written warning, inspection, or other appropriate actions based on the circumstances of the incident.

Health unit staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process.

Important Information

In some cases, staff who submit a witness report may be asked to provide additional information or participate in legal proceedings if a matter proceeds through the court process. This is uncommon, and health unit staff will provide support and guidance throughout the process if required.

If a tobacco, vapour, or cannabis product is available, retain the product or a photograph when possible and share it with the assigned Tobacco Enforcement Officer as part of the follow-up process.

Privacy

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit collects personal information as part of its public health responsibilities. Information provided through this form is collected and used in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and is used only for the purposes of administering and enforcing relevant public health legislation and supporting follow-up activities related to the reported incident.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 School Witness Report Form can be accessed below.

Please complete all fields marked with an * asterisk.

* By submitting this report, you acknowledge that you may be contacted for additional information and, in rare circumstances, may be asked to participate as a witness if the matter proceeds through the legal process. Health unit staff will provide guidance and support throughout the process if required.
YYYY-MM-DD
To be completed by witness (i.e., school administrator, teacher, staff member, other)
YYYY-MM-DD
e.g., 02:10 PM
Address of school and place on school property where offence occurred
Information about the Individual Involved
(Student, visitor, staff member, or other individual)
e.g.: 705-721-7520
YYYY-MM-DD
* Observed Behaviour or Concern (check all that apply):






* Product Information (if known):

If a tobacco, vapour, or cannabis product was involved, provide any available details such as product type, brand, flavour, nicotine strength, or other identifying information.

* If a tobacco, vapour, or cannabis product is available, please retain the product or a photograph of the product whenever possible and provide it to the assigned Tobacco Enforcement Officer as part of the follow-up process.

Other Individuals Involved
(If other individuals were involved, please list their names below. Submit a separate report for each individual.)

To be completed by school administrator
* Has the school previously reported incidents involving this individual?


* Requested Health Unit Follow-Up. Please indicate the type of support or follow-up you are requesting:




YYYY-MM-DD

Preferred School Contact

e.g.: 705-721-7520
* I have reviewed the above for accuracy.
* Was a photograph of the product obtained? If yes, please attach the photograph.

Upload Picture of Age-Restricted Product
NOTE: We cannot accept Microsoft Word files. Only image (jpg, jpeg, and png) or Adobe PDF.
 

Privacy Notice

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit collects information provided through this form for the purposes of administering and supporting activities related to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017. Information is collected, used, and protected in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.