Promised Canada-wide ban on vaping flavours increasingly unlikely, health groups warn

Nicotine control groups across Canada have been eagerly awaiting a nationwide ban on vaping flavours, only to be met with disappointment as indications suggest that such restrictions may not be implemented this year. Cynthia Callard, the executive director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, expressed her frustration after a recent meeting with a senior staff member for Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks, where it was made clear that the ban on vaping flavours is not a current priority for the government.

This news comes as a blow to anti-smoking organizations and public health doctors who have been advocating for a ban on vaping flavours for the past five years. Canada has one of the highest youth vaping rates in the world, with nearly half of all young adults having tried vaping. Health Canada initially promised to restrict vape flavours to mint, menthol, and tobacco in June 2021, citing studies showing that fruity and sweet flavours are more appealing to youth and are perceived as less harmful.

Despite the government spending over three years in consultations and gearing up to introduce regulations in June 2024, the ban has yet to materialize. Minister Saks has faced criticism for meeting with the nicotine and vaping industry instead of moving forward with the proposed restrictions. In response to the recent developments, Canada’s top public health doctors have renewed their call for a flavour ban, citing concerns over the high rates of nicotine vaping among Canadian youth.

While several provinces and territories have implemented their own flavour bans, such as Quebec, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Nova Scotia, the absence of a nationwide ban poses challenges in enforcement and regulation. Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, emphasized the urgency of implementing a nationwide ban to protect youth from the harms of vaping.

Despite arguments from the vaping industry that a flavour ban could lead to an illicit market and deter adult smokers from using vaping as a smoking cessation tool, public health experts maintain that action is necessary to prevent a new generation of nicotine addiction. Research has shown that vaping can cause significant lung damage in a matter of years, particularly among young people who have never smoked cigarettes.

Public health researcher David Hammond emphasized the need for swift action on a flavour ban, highlighting the influence of the tobacco industry in delaying regulations. He noted that the abundance of appealing flavours on the market has contributed to the popularity of vaping among youth.

As the federal government continues to delay the implementation of a nationwide ban on vaping flavours, concerns remain about the long-term impact of vaping on public health. Anti-smoking organizations are calling on the government to prioritize the health and well-being of Canadian youth by taking decisive action to curb the growing trend of vaping among young people.