With the e-cigarette situation in Canada and more particularly in Quebec where Bill 44 has wreaked havoc, our editorial staff found it important to give the floor to our French-speaking friends in order to have their feelings. Obviously we couldn't find better than The Quebec Vapotery Association to present the situation to you through this exclusive interview. It was therefore in April that we were able to speak with Valerie Gallant, the president of the Association Québécoise des Vapoteries.
Hello, To begin with, can you introduce us to the Association Québécoise des Vapoteries?
V.Gallant : The Quebec Association of Vapoteries is a registered non-profit organization that brings together about forty vapoteries in Quebec. We first came together to challenge the new 28 Act, formerly known as the 44 Bill, but over time we decided to offer members a form of self-regulation because, although the law was very restrictive at the commercial level of the electronic cigarette, it neither frames nor regulates the latter or its derivatives. We are currently working with the Université de Montréal to analyze the e-liquids produced and sold in Quebec. As the law is also very restrictive in terms of information that vapoteries have the right to convey, the Association can, it, allow the public to have access to studies, articles etc ...
The 44 law strongly regulated the e-cigarette in Quebec, what consequence had this regulation on the vape market? On the vapers?
V.Gallant : The law has had the effect of reducing the traffic of the shops of many. If we take only the fact that online sales are now prohibited, it is already a considerable financial loss for some vaping. I would say in the same vein, that the effect on the vapers is that for the majority of vapers living in the region, it is now very difficult or impossible to order as they did before the law ... In fact, we force the vapers to spend their money elsewhere than in Quebec! As vapoteries were the largest source of information on the products they sell, the public is sorely lacking in information and credible studies on the subject and is starting to be scared ...
What are the demands of the AQV? Are there already advances in communication with politicians?
V.Gallant : The demands of the AQV are not to cancel the law on the fight against smoking, but, to remove the electronic cigarette to certain provisions of this law. We want it to be officially recognized that vaping is not smoking. That vape can indeed be, as our health minister said so well, an excellent way to fight tobacco. That traders have the right to assert their right of expression, to share articles, studies etc ... If we made progress? The government is doing everything to block our way. After all, we are on trial and, they wish as much as we, win their cause no?
Minister Lucie Charlebois seemed open on the subject of e-cigarettes during the debates on Bill 44, however, what happened to arrive at such an abusive regulation?
V.Gallant : That's the $ 1 question! … That's what we would all like to know. Indeed, Minister Charlebois seemed, at the base, without saying favorable, at least, attentive to our cause. We knew that when it came to vaping in public, we had lost ahead. We knew the 000 year age limit would be imposed, and we thought that was okay. But to be assimilated to tobacco, to no longer be able to have the products tested by customers! So there is the ban on selling online as well as the total ban for any owner to put online research, studies etc. then! We too would like to know what happened, if you can find the answer ...
It has recently been noted that there was widespread discontent in Canada with a recent rally of vapers in Toronto. Do you have links with Advocates Vapor? Can a national group to fight against regulation be considered?
V.Gallant : Without having a direct link with them, we know each other well and certainly we would like to work with other groups to make a united front. We are all working towards the same goal after all. On the other hand, we must also fight because we are the regulations we have to live with every day ... And the judgment that will be poured here will probably be a precedent for future regulations ... So the first goal is to work to overthrow the articles of law affecting us in order to open the door to other groups of defenses. And this, while working hand in hand with these.
How many members does AQV have to date? What are the funds raised with memberships used for?
V.Gallant : The AQV is a very small association that groups together 40 members. We are still recruiting because, let's not forget that it was formed as the February 23. We have new members who join us every week. Their money mainly goes to pay the fees of lawyers, experts etc ... A tiny part of this money goes to advertisements, web page etc ... But, as we are a participative democracy, each member has a say and, the members are made aware of the expenses in real time. We (the CA) consult members on everything and they can at any time get involved.
Do you have relations with user defense associations in other countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, United States)?
V.Gallant : As the Association is very young, we are only at the beginning of the web that we are currently weaving. Yes, we are discussing it with several groups from France and Belgium among others. If we all work together, we could create a global movement. After all, we are all in the same boat and there is strength in unity.
Your “aggressive” communication campaigns are spreading very well through social networks, have they given you significant support?
V.Gallant : Our advertising campaigns give us the visibility much needed by a small organization like ours. People do not really know what we are doing, do not understand the scope of this regulation in people seeking to either completely stop smoking or seeking a less harmful alternative to health. By including us in tobacco products, the message to the public is that it is the tobacco and the vapoteuse when we know very well that it has nothing to do with it. So the more people see us, the more they understand. Also, judges, political authorities and other decision-makers do not live in a vacuum, so they, too, see the growing movement of grumbling among the population of vapers or potential vapers as well ...
If we want to join the revolution what is the approach to follow? How to support AQV if you are a foreigner?
V.Gallant : We worked on a concept of the “I am the resistance” sweater which will soon be available worldwide, mainly in the French-speaking world to begin with. These jerseys will be donated to donors for the cause. People can also donate to the Association. A lawsuit like this is expensive. The AQV is a very small association which attacks a giant. It's David's fight against Goliath so financial help is always welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. What can we wish you for the next few months?
V.Gallant : For the coming months, we want to join our cause the maximum of people in the industry to make the AQV a strong association! We also want governments to make the ridiculous thing but that ... we can always dream no? It was a pleasure for me too.
Find the Association Québécoise des Vapoteries on their facebook page and their official website.
