All BC Ferries vessels and terminals have become smoke-free environments.

The new policy went into effect Monday and applies to the smoking of tobacco and any other substances, including the use of e-cigarettes.

Signs have already been posted and smoking aids will be available in some of the shops.

The company says it’s introducing the new rules to support the health and wellness of its customers and employees.

“We’ve been offering cessation programs for any employee who chooses to quit, that’s certainly the employee’s prerogative,” said Deborah Marshall, the company’s executive director of public affairs. “We’ve been doing that for the past several months to the lead up of this new policy that we’re putting in place.”

BC Ferries is still ironing out all the details with the union. 

The company expects the transition will be more of an educational process as opposed to a crackdown.