Last week, Bill S-5, “An Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-smokers’ Health Act” received Royal Assent.
What this means is, the Government of Canada is seriously looking into tougher restrictions regarding the sale of vaping products across the nation.
Regional Nursing Lead for tobacco reduction at Northern Health, Nancy Viney, gives us her take on the significance of this announcement for the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.
“Up until now, vapor products have not been regulated and now they will. Although vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking, it’s not completely safe and that’s what residents in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District should be aware of.”
Bill S-5 will prohibit the sale of vapor products to anyone under the age of 18. It will also put tougher restrictions on the way products can be advertised. Businesses will no longer be able to advertise freely and will have to produce plain packaging for their products. By doing so, the hopes are they will be less appealing to children, something Viney says will certainly help.
“We have very high smoking rates in Northern BC and it is my job is to try and reduce those numbers. Certainly regulations, laws, and by-laws are having a positive impact on reducing these numbers. A lot of smokers begin when they are teenagers so if we can address the issue at an earlier age, hopefully, we will have a positive impact on youth going forward.”
More on vaping products in Canada can be found here.
More on plain tobacco packaging can be found here.
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
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