The Province of Alberta is hoping to crack down on teenage vaping.
The government announced last October that it is looking into regulating vaping under similar restrictions currently imposed upon smoking, as the province’s smoking and tobacco legislation does not specifically address vaping, hookah, and waterpipe use.
A review of the proposed regulations was conducted between October 25 and December 4, with around 250 people participating in 41 consultation sessions, a release from the Province of Alberta states. 9,500 people responded to an online survey.
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“This proposed legislation sends a strong message to youth, and anyone who thinks it is OK to supply them with vaping products – there will be fines for possession and consumption,” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro in the release.
“Selling or giving these products to minors will have consequences. Reducing health harms by keeping vaping products out of the hands of youth is a priority for both me and this government, and it’s what Albertans asked us to do.”
The release also noted that teen vaping rates had risen from 8% to 22% between 2014-15 and 2018-19.
The regulations would align vaping with current legislation for tobacco products, including a minimum purchasing, possessing, or using age of 18, limits on vaping displays and advertisements, and rules regarding where vaping can occur.
According to Alberta’s current Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act, smoking tobacco products is not permitted within five metres of a doorway, window, or air intake, or in public premises and workplaces.
The City of Calgary has amended its own smoking bylaw to “prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in public premises where tobacco is currently prohibited,” which may be the fate of vapes throughout the province if the proposed legislation passes.
The full review can be found here.
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