Legislation addresses rise in youth vaping

“We believe these legislative changes ... will help us gain ground once again.”

Amendments to the Tobacco Access Act and the Smoke-free Places Act aim to prevent a new generation of Nova Scotians from becoming addicted to nicotine.

These legislative changes build on a ban on flavoured e-cigarette products announced in December.

Amendments to the acts, tabled Feb. 27, will:

Give the province regulatory authority over the nicotine content of tobacco, e-cigarettes and other products, protecting youth from potentially hazardous nicotine levels.

Broaden the definition of tobacco to include other types of tobacco-less nicotine products, allowing the province to better address emerging nicotine products that may be appealing to youth.

Allow peace officers to require individuals to provide information and reasonable assistance in investigating a potential breach of the act and provide peace officers the authority to confiscate and dispose of e-cigarettes from youth who are underage, similar to what is done for tobacco and alcohol.

Clarify language about smoking and vaping on unlicensed outdoor patio spaces, ensuring locations where people work and frequent remain smoke-free.

“Nova Scotia has long been a leader in promoting a smoke-free culture, especially for our youth,” said Randy Delorey, minister of Health and Wellness. “Vaping rates among young people have been growing and we’re concerned with what we’re seeing. We believe these legislative changes, along with the flavour ban, new taxation measures and stronger licensing and inspection, will help us gain ground once again.”

As announced in Budget 2020-21, the province will implement a tax on vaping products sold in Nova Scotia. All retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers of vaping products will be required to be licensed to sell their products in Nova Scotia.

The province will also roll out a public education campaign about the risks of vaping to youth.

For more information about the risks of vaping, visit https://novascotia.ca/ vaping.

Randy Delorey Minister of Health and Wellness