OTTAWA—A parliamentary report released this week is recommending that the government establish new legislation for regulating electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine or other substances.
The parliamentary committee on health also recommends that manufacturers disclose the ingredients contained in the liquid or vapour, restrict advertising, prohibit flavourings, and ban the sale of e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18.
“We agree there needs to be a new regulatory framework for electronic cigarettes,” says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society.
“We are hoping the committee report will lead to swift effective action by the federal government. There is a regulatory vacuum at the moment. Provinces have already moved forward in their regulation of e-cigarettes.”
Nova Scotia remains the only province with legislation governing e-cigarettes, also known as vapourizers, while Ontario and British Columbia currently have legislation that is being debated.
However, one researcher worries that the ongoing discussions about e-cigarettes miss a fundamental issue: how to view tobacco products. David Sweanor, a law professor and expert in tobacco policy at the University of Ottawa, says the fact that e-cigarettes don’t produce smoke has created a challenge for the health profession, and a clear goal is needed.
