Health-related groups would like to see Health Canada crack down on "the recent explosionAdvertising that appears to promote a way of life for e-cigarettes on TV, social media and other contexts.
PROMOTION OF TARGETED VAPOTAGE BY HEALTH GROUPS
These groups, including the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control, require a "firm" application of the law in force and the development of regulations to ensure that children are protected from advertising for electronic cigarettes.
On 23 last May, Canada passed the new Tobacco and Vaping Products Act. The law includes restrictions on the promotion of vaping products, including prohibiting the promotion of products that appeal to young people and advertising that promotes a lifestyle.
Other restrictions came into effect on Monday, including banning the sale and promotion of vaping products that make the product appealing to young people, such as interesting shapes or sounds; the promotion of certain flavors - such as confectionery, dessert or soft drink flavors - which may be appealing to young people; and product promotion through recommendations or advertisements.
In particular, the group pointed to an Imperial Tobacco campaign that it describes asa crucial and dangerous precedent for public health". The organizations state that a formal complaint has been made to Health Canada regarding a television commercial aired since the end of the summer.
VAPE, "A FIRST STEP TOWARDS TOBACCO DEPENDENCE"
The Director of Research at Doctors for a Smoke-Free Canada, Neil Collishaw, notes that the consumption of electronic cigarettes is booming among young people.
«This is the first step towards nicotine and tobacco addictionHe said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
The Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control notes that the advertising of these products is "ubiquitous" outside the country with displays installed in gas stations and posters
in the bus shelters. These ads appear to teenagers as "modern, attractive and harmless gadgets", supported Flory Doucas, co-director of the coalition.
Mme Doucas wants Ottawa to restrict where advertising can be done to ensure that it is focused on adults and as much as possible on smokers.
«Studies show us that those who used vaping products are up to four times more likely to become cigarette smokersShe said.
Her organization did not observe the broadcast of Imperial Tobacco commercials on Quebec television, a situation that she attributes to the severity of the provincial legislation. Flory Doucas, however, fears the consequences of the federal government's decision to have allowed advertising on social networks and the Internet, promotional vehicles that are much seen by young people.
By communiqué, the Director General of Action on Smoking & Health, The Hagen, recalled that "it's been almost 50 years since tobacco companies no longer advertise on Canadian television».
The power to regulate tobacco and nicotine is shared between the federal and provincial governments. Some provinces have adopted stricter nicotine advertising rules, while others have not. The groups are asking Health Canada to ensure that Canadian children in all regions are also protected.
IMPERIAL TOBACCO CANADA REJECTS THE CHARGES!
Eric Gagnon, Senior Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Imperial Tobacco Canada, completely rejects the accusations of the group on advertisements. "Not at allHe said in a telephone interview.
«There is no advertising of vaping products in arenas or schoolyards. The ads that were shown today on TV, they are on time listening a little laterHe pleaded. According to him, it is up to governments to educate young people. "There is a social responsibility to ensure that young people are aware that it is a product that contains nicotineHe explained.
«We, we work with our partners who are the retailers and retailers are recognized not to sell these products to young people.»
Source : Lenouvelliste.ca/
