The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) expresses deep concern over
the October 4th press conference hosted by three of Canada’s
Tobacco Control lobbyists pressuring the government for a
nationwide flavour ban on vaping products and demanding the
resignation of Minister Saks. Such a ban would have devastating
public health consequences undermining Canada’s own goal of
reducing smoking rates to “less than 5% by 2035” (Canada’s Tobacco
Strategy).
The CVA strongly opposes the demands from these Tobacco Control
lobbyists. Minister Saks, along with Health Canada, are committed
to putting Canadians first by addressing the root causes of youth
vaping, as highlighted by the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey
2022 and WDG Public Health website and video (January 23, 2024
Vaping Information Session for Parents with Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum),
which points to stress, anxiety, depression, and peer pressure as
primary drivers for youth to experiment with risky
behaviours. We must acknowledge and not ignore that more than
1.5 million adult vapors in Canada use flavoured vaping products to
stop smoking. We agree underage youth should not vape, however,
more needs to be done through education and providing the necessary
tools for parents, teachers, coaches, as t and community members,
to understand the underlying issues as to why youth are vaping and
providing solutions to solve their nicotine dependence.
Tobacco Control lobbyists fail to recognize Canada’s progressive
approach to vaping, which is key to reaching the national goal of
reducing tobacco use to under 5% by 2035. Vaping serves as a vital
harm-reduction tool, helping smokers quit while reducing the
devastating toll of smoking, which claims 48,000 lives annually.
Canada’s Tobacco Strategy focuses on 1) changing behaviour to save
lives and helping Canadians quit smoking using the harm-reduction
techniques that work for them and recognizes vaping is the most
effective harm reduction tool, 2) meeting people where they
are: understanding why youth are vaping, addressing those issues of
mental health and protecting youth from nicotine addiction before
it gets out of hand, and 3) ensuring no person is left behind:
reduce health disparities and address the stigma around
smoking. Prohibition Has Never Been the
Answer
Vaping is a highly regulated industry with strict legislation
already in place to limit youth access. Consumers must be of legal
age to purchase vaping products. The most effective strategy to
curb youth access is the enforcement of existing regulations, which
includes imposing substantial fines and suspending licenses for
non-compliant businesses, as well as enforcement against the
illicit trade to ensure more addictive nicotine products do not
make their way into the hands of youth. This approach has proven
successful in other regulated industries, such as cannabis and
alcohol, where compliance ensures responsible marketplace
operation. Vaping, when regulated and monitored effectively, is no
different and can achieve the same level of oversight and
protection.
Protecting Youth and Supporting Responsible
Choices
Enforcing regulations against illegal sales and marketing
through social media platforms like Snapchat, Telegram, and
TikTok—where age verification and compliance are often
bypassed—could significantly reduce illicit sales and minors'
exposure to vaping products. Canada already has some of the best
vape regulations globally, covering labeling, packaging, marketing,
promotions, reporting, and nicotine concentration limits. We urge
these Tobacco Control lobbyists to reflect; when was the last time
you saw a vape advertisement in Canada? In contrast, many of the
countries cited by the Tobacco Control lobbyists at their press
conference, lack the same rigorous standards. For example, allowing
cartoon characters on vape products or having flavours named after
ice cream-- is strictly prohibited in Canada. Tobacco Control
lobbyists can report any non-compliant products to Health Canada
for enforcement action. Instead, they choose to use these products
to justify their push for a flavour ban. In places like Australia,
poorly regulated black markets have led to organized crime
dominating vape sales rather than a compliant legal industry.
The CVA would like to ask these Tobacco Control lobbyists, how
do they intend to identify illicit vaping products and enforcement
against illicit dealers and criminals? It’s evident that
some Tobacco Control lobbyists lack the expertise to provide
practical solutions to the government. We must not allow history to
repeat itself. These same groups contributed to the contraband
tobacco crisis, which costs the Canadian government and taxpayers
$2 billion annually, with 1 in 3 cigarettes sold in Canada now
being contraband. It’s time to focus on real solutions rather
than repeating past mistakes that have led to significant economic
and public health challenges.
The CVA fully supports the Federal government’s efforts to focus
on enforcement and compliance, ensuring existing regulations are
upheld and protecting our youth from being targeted by organized
crime and illicit dealers.
Canada Must Lead on Harm
Reduction
Despite the extensive research available, Tobacco Control
lobbyists continue to undermine vaping as a proven harm-reduction
tool for smokers. According to a clinical research study completed
by McGill University, published by the American Journal of Medicine
(May 2023), vaping is more efficacious than conventional nicotine
replacement or behavioral smoking cession therapies (co-author Mark
J Eisenberg is on the Scientific Advisory Board on Vaping Products
at Health Canada). Other studies have concluded that restricting
flavours in vaping products increase smoking rates among adults and
youth, one study's co-author Michael Pesko is also on the
Scientific Advisory Board on Vaping Products at Health Canada.
Tobacco Control lobbyists can be more accurately described as
"Anti-Harm Reduction lobbyists." Governments should avoid relying
on groups that undermine Canada’s public health policies. Minister
Saks can access the Scientific Advisory Board on Vaping Products
for informed guidance when policy recommendations are needed,
rather than relying on anti-harm reduction lobbyists that often
cause unintended consequences such as the contraband tobacco
problem-- a problem these groups created and have left
unresolved; and now the illegal trade is run by organized crime and
terrorist organizations. (1)
Industry Consultation is Key to Effective
Policy
The bullying tactics of anti-harm reduction lobbyists pressuring
Minister Saks and Health Canada to act quickly, will only help grow
the black market of vaping products. This will make vaping more
accessible to youth, at much lower prices and greater risk to their
health. Public health policies affecting millions of Canadians
should be based on scientific evidence, academic research and
discussions, including all stakeholders, to ensure effective and
responsible decision-making. We call upon the Prime Minister to
exclude these Tobacco Control lobbyists from advising any level of
government and urge all provinces and territories to only consult
Health Canada for policy recommendations that impact the lives of
everyday Canadians.
Considering these concerns, the CVA urges the Minister Saks and
Health Canada to reject the misguided calls for a national flavour
ban and to continue focusing on enforcement against the growing
illicit market, where youth are at the most risk.
A flavour ban would not only strip adults of their freedom of
choice, but also jeopardize Canada’s goal of reducing smoking rates
to less than 5% over the next decade. What these Tobacco Control
lobbyists refuse to acknowledge is the role vaping plays in smoking
cession, which is counterproductive to their anti-tobacco advocacy
efforts.
The CVA remains committed to working with the government to
promote sensible, balanced regulations that protect public health,
support adult smokers in their quitting journeys, and ensure fair
consumer access to regulated products.
(1) BC RCMP - RCMP Federal Investigators seize 27 tonnes of
contraband cigarettes, dismantle criminal networks involved
(rcmp-grc.gc.ca)
Sam Tam
The Canadian Vaping Association
6472717629
stam@thecva.org