Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Chad Klassen

YOUTH VAPING

MLA Stone pleased to see new vaping regulations going into place

Nov 14, 2019 | 4:21 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone is reserving judgment on what the provincial government announced on Thursday — to put more restrictions on access to vaping products for youth.

But he’s pleased the first step towards protecting our youth has been taken. Stone put forward a private members’ bill seven months ago in the B.C. Legislature and he feels the new action plan introduced by Health Minister Adrian Dix is what he’s been calling for all along.

“I’ve been calling for tougher retail controls. That appears to be in place in this action plan,” Stone said. “I called for tougher enforcement. That appears to be in today’s announcement. I called for education and awareness programs. That appears to be there today.”

Among the notable changes is an increase in the provincial sales tax on vaping products from seven to 20 per cent. Vapour pods and liquids will only be allowed to contain 20 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre and will have to be sold in plain packaging with health warnings.

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Flavoured products will only be sold in vape-specific shops with age restrictions and no advertising will be allowed in public spacse like bus shelters or parks where young people gather.

Vaping rates from 2017 to 2018 increased by 74 per cent among those 16 to 19 years old, according to a University of Waterloo study. Health Canada says 23 per cent of students in Grades 7 to 12 have tried an e-cigarette or related product.

The one disappointment for Stone was the government not taking the extra step of outright banning flavoured vaping products.

“I was calling for a complete ban on flavoured vape products. They’ve only taken some partial steps to restrict flavouring, so I will reserve my judgment on whether or not the action the government has opted to take here will actually work.”

Stone’s job now is to hold the government accountable to ensure their projected timelines for the spring of next year are met. He wants the plan to be fully funded as well with money used from the sales tax increase, so it can work properly.