By James Peters

MLA Stone calls on government to clamp down on youth vaping

Apr 11, 2019 | 11:23 AM

VICTORIA — Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone has introduced a private member’s bill calling on the government to do more to protect young people from the harmful effects of vaping.

The Vulnerable Adolescents Protection from E-Cigarettes Act would ban the sale of flavoured vapour products, introduce stricter retail controls and enact tougher penalties for non-compliance.

“As we did with the approach we took to the measles challenge, we believe that we need to work together to develop and implement effective strategies to keep our kids safe when it comes to vaping,” said Stone.

“Will the Minister of Health take aggressive steps to protect our children from this dangerous addiction and emerging public health issue with respect to our youth?”

Health Minister Adrian Dix responded by saying he’s “very interested” in pursuing a ban on flavoured vape juice.

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“That’s consistent with our view, in general, on flavoured tobacco products which we think provide the wrong incentive. So I’m very interested in considering that option. But also working with all the stakeholders — as I’m sure the honourable member is — to provide a better public response to an evolving area.”

Stone and Dix had an uncharacteristically congenial exchange in question period, with Stone pressing Dix to act aggressively to keep vaping materials out of the hands of youth, and Dix committing to further action on the issue.

“As a society, we have made tremendous progress at reducing cigarette smoking, particularly with respect to our youth. We must do the same thing with respect to vaping,” said Stone.

Dix noted successive governments have made significant progress in reducing teen smoking, and said he wants to duplicate that success by tapping into the knowledge of young people.

“One of the most significant change moments in that, it seems to me, was when young people were put in charge and directed advertising campaigns and public awareness campaigns directed toward young people,” said Dix. “So we cannot leave the people involved out of the equation here.”