New campaign opposes restrictions on nicotine replacement therapy in Canadian convenience stores
A campaign has recently been launched to oppose recent moves by the federal government to restrict access to nicotine replacement therapies, including nicotine sachets, in convenience stores. Entitled “Responsible, Trustworthy Retailers in Your Community”, this campaign, initiated in Ottawa, highlights the crucial role of these products in helping Canadians quit smoking and highlights the negative consequences of their limitation by retailers responsible, potentially increasing youth access through illegal and online means.
The new legislation, spearheaded by Canada's Health Minister Mark Holland, gives, campaign supporters say, "excessive and unprecedented" powers to the minister to dictate where any health product is sold. This measure, considered a political influence rather than a scientific one, is strongly criticized by opponents.
The campaign argues that nicotine sachets aim to help smokers quit and that convenience stores, trusted partners of local communities for decades in protecting minors, have proven their effectiveness in the responsible sale of alcohol and lottery tickets. By imposing these restrictions, the government would make these products more accessible to minors via illegal channels, illustrating an inconsistency in the protection of youth.
Anne Kothawala, President and CEO of the Convenience Store Industry Council of Canada, said: “This decision by the federal government ignores the valuable and trusted role of convenience stores in local communities. During the pandemic, convenience stores have been among the few establishments governments have relied on to stay open and provide essential needs to communities. The idea that we cannot be trusted to sell a smoking cessation product is both insulting and irresponsible. »
Raf Souccar, former Deputy Commissioner of the RCMP and member of the federal task force on cannabis legalization, comments: “By removing nicotine pouches from convenience stores, the government is unintentionally fueling the black market. This measure not only makes these products more accessible to minors, but also offers a new source of income for organized crime. The government's rationale for legalizing marijuana was to protect youth and reduce black market activity, yet this policy directly contradicts that logic. It is time to focus on effective solutions that truly address the root problems. »
Toni Aoun, operator of a convenience store in Ottawa, also supports this initiative. “For decades, my store has been an integral part of the community. I have witnessed many clients who have recently quit smoking and switched to new tobacco-free products. We are committed to following the rules and serving our communities responsibly, and we hope the government will support our customers. »
