Have your say on youth vaping legislation
The provincial government recently launched a public consultation on developing youth vaping legislation and other potential amendments to the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act. Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only provinces that have not yet passed laws to regulate vaping products.
The rates of youth vaping almost tripled in Alberta between 2015 and 2017, with over 35,000 school-aged youth now using vaping products. Flavoured, disguised, and appealing vaping products like Juul, Vype, and Logic are largely to blame for the explosive rise in teen vaping according to various health organizations. These products contain high levels of nicotine in a new formulation that makes them particularly addictive.
Schools across Alberta are struggling to address youth vaping, and many have resorted to suspensions and other punitive measures to address this escalating problem. Health groups believe that strong provincial legislation is required to stop tobacco and vaping companies from targeting youth.
The Campaign for a Smoke-Free Alberta is urging the government to align restrictions on the sale, use, promotion, and display of vaping products with those on tobacco products.
The Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act Secretariat is accepting written submissions from AUMA and RMA members until November 29, 2019. Please send your submission to tsra.review [at] gov.ab.ca (tsra[dot]review[at]gov[dot]ab[dot]ca).
An online public survey is also available to provide feedback to the review. The online survey can be found here.
