November 19, 2024
Hon. Judith G. Seidman: My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Senator Gold, Coalition québécoise pour le contrôle du tabac; Action on Smoking & Health, known as ASH Canada; and Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada have all conveyed their extreme disappointment that the federal government continues to delay the regulations banning flavoured vaping products.
Canada has one of the highest youth vaping rates in the world. Les Hagen, Executive Director of ASH Canada, recently stated:
This problem is out of control, and the main reason they’re smoking vaping products is because of all the flavours.
In June 2021, draft regulations to remove sweeteners and most flavourings from vaping products were first published in the Canada Gazette, but they still have not been finalized. It has been three and a half years. How much longer must Canadians wait for the government to ban flavoured vapes across the country?
Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for your ongoing attention to this important issue. I simply don’t know why the regulations have not yet been finalized, but I will certainly make inquiries as soon as I can.
Senator Seidman: Thank you.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, Health Canada inspected 288 specialty vaping establishments and found 38% had broken federal health laws. The promotion of prohibited vaping flavours was one of the most common types of non-compliance.
Senator Gold, do you agree that this is yet more evidence that action is needed?
Senator Gold: I think it is evidence that laws that are in place and not being enforced clearly give rise to important questions both about compliance and, indeed, perhaps enforcement or, as I think you’re suggesting, a legislative initiative. I’ll certainly add these facts to my inquiries with the minister.