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Smoking is banned for all new tenants of Housing NWT and will be phased out of existing units by spring 2026.

The NWT is the last jurisdiction in Canada to implement a smoking ban in public housing after Nunavut introduced similar regulations in 2023. The ban will ultimately be applied to all units owned by Housing NWT.

"There is extensive research on the negative impacts of smoking and second-hand smoke on health and social outcomes," said Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana, who announced the smoking prohibition while speaking in the legislative assembly on May 29. "During the development of Housing Northwest Territories' strategic renewal in the 19th Legislative Assembly, Housing NWT consulted with Indigenous governments, elected representatives, local housing organizations and tenants about smoking in public housing units. There is strong support for measures that protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke, and broad support for efforts aimed at reducing smoking overall. 

"It is the GNWT鈥檚 responsibility to support individuals and families to stay healthy. It is also our responsibility to reduce damage to units and loss of units, as we are currently experiencing a housing crisis," Kuptana added.

A spokesperson for Housing NWT explained the ban is now in place for any new tenants and a "grace period" for existing renters is being considered up until spring 2026.

Exceptions for tobacco use in traditional ceremonies and cultural practices will be included in the implementation.

"The approach is trauma-informed and non-punitive, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and respect," said Housing NWT communications manager Jeanne Gard. "Housing NWT is committed to implementing this policy in a fair, respectful and compassionate way, with a strong focus on education, support and collaboration with Indigenous governments and community partners. Long-term tenants will be informed through a supportive education campaign, and, once implemented, will be subject to the full smoking ban."

Designated smoking areas will be created for tenants who continue to smoke.

Gard added that smokers would be provided with access to educational materials and access to cessation supports before the ban is fully implemented and the penalties for not complying with the ban would escalate if the problem persists.

She noted that only in worst-case scenarios would a rental agreement be terminated.

Kuptana said the ban is as much about promoting better health as it is to protect the government's assets.

"This policy is not just about prohibiting smoking; it is about promoting healthier lifestyles and creating supportive environments for people who wish to quit," she said. "The ban will also reduce the risk of smoking-related fires and decrease the costs of cleaning and repairing smoke-damaged units. That means we will be able to put more resources towards other critical housing needs."

A 2021 GNWT public service announcement noted that smoking "is a leading cause of home fire fatalities." According to the 2023 NWT Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Survey, there were 10,084 active tobacco smokers and 13,349 cannabis users in the territory. Among tobacco users, 4,792 make less than $40,000 per year.