The federal government will introduce legislation this fall to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes.
Health Canada says this measure is intended to protect young people from nicotine addiction, while allowing adult smokers to legally purchase e-cigarettes and vaping products as a transitional measure to quit smoking, or as an alternative to smoking. tobacco.
Health Canada also announced the one-year renewal of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy, which will give the government time to develop a new long-term plan. The strategy adopted in 2001 was last renewed four years ago. In addition, the federal government continues to reflect on a possible ban on menthol cigarettes and is working to fulfill its commitment to introduce neutral and standardized packages for all tobacco products.
According to the government, some 87 000 Canadians, including many young people, will become " daily smokerss ”, which would put them and others at risk for several diseases. Health Minister Jane Philpott will host a national forum in early 2017 to discuss the future of tobacco control and give a voice to a " wide range of stakeholders and Canadians, including Inuit and First Nations Canadians. »
In an interview on Tuesday, Philpott said she believes Canadians will be pleased to see the federal government moving ahead with regulatory standards for e-cigarettes and vaping.
« This is a difficult sector because, among other things, we lack relevant information to have a full understanding of the risks and benefits of electronic cigarettes, underlined the Minister. We recognize that one of the things that needs to be done is to increase knowledge (about these products). "There is potential for profit and nuisance in their use," she added.
Several provinces and municipalities have already introduced measures on vaping, but federal legislation is needed, according to Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society. In Quebec, a law was adopted in the fall of 2015 which ensures that electronic cigarettes, and the liquids they contain, are considered tobacco products and therefore subject to the same restrictions.
« This is definitely an area that needs regulation, Cunningham said in an interview. We do not want to see children using these cigarettes. »
The review of tobacco legislation must focus not only on electronic cigarettes, but also on issues such as new marketing tactics, hookah and the regulation of marijuana, Cunningham said.
« There is a whole range of new issues that have suddenly made the tobacco issue more complicated, and that is why the new strategy must be carefully crafted. ", he added.
Canada was the first country to use picture warnings to educate the public about the risks of tobacco, and the government said Tuesday it was also one of the first to restrict promotion and flavoring. tobacco to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products, especially to young people.
« Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada and affects the well-being of all Canadians, including young people. Government of Canada continues to explore new and better ways to fight tobacco use and its effects on the health of Canadians Said Ms. Philpott in a statement released earlier Tuesday.
Source : ici.radio-canada.ca
