Health Canada proposes new vaping ad rules
By Adnews Staff
Ottawa-based Health Canada has issued a proposal for additional restrictions on advertising for vaping products aimed at young consumers. Existing regulations already prohibit advertising for these products that is intended to appeal to youth. The proposed changes would restrict where advertising can be displayed in order to limit its visibility to young people. They would also require health warning messages on ads and would restrict the display of vaping products at the point-of-sale. Health Canada has begun a 45-day consultation period during which it will gather comments from the public.
In addition, the Government of Canada will begin a new public awareness campaign this week intended to raise awareness of the risks of vaping. It will be particularly aimed at young consumers and will encourage consideration of the consequences of vaping. The campaign will run through 2019.
“I am deeply concerned about recent reports that youth vaping is on the rise,” said Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “This includes stories coming out of schools across Canada and emerging data suggesting that young Canadians are taking up vaping at an alarming rate. I am hearing from parents, educators and the health care community that they share my concerns about youth vaping. We cannot allow these products to threaten the hard-earned gains we’ve made in tobacco control. The proposed regulatory measures and our public awareness campaign will drive home the message. If you don't smoke, don’t vape."