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E-Cigarettes & Vaping2024-05-22T19:43:31+00:00

Resources Library – Hot Topic – E-Cigarettes and Vaping

The Tobacco Industry Is Constantly Finding New Ways to Attract People to Use Tobacco Products

The tobacco industry is constantly finding new ways to attract people to use tobacco products. Up until 2016, flavoured tobacco products were available for purchase in New Brunswick and were particularly attractive to young people, as well as non-smokers, trying out tobacco for the first time. New Brunswick banned flavoured tobacco products in 2016 to help lower smoking initiation rates and, especially, protect its young people from the harmful effects of a lifelong addiction to nicotine.
However, flavoured e-cigarettes and vaping products have appeared on the market and been rapidly rising in popularity among non-smokers, especially youth, raising concerns among parents, teachers and health care professionals.

Dangers of E-Cigarettes & Vaping Products

While e-cigarettes and vaping devices are less harmful than smoking cigarettes, according to Health Canada, vaping still exposes a person to chemicals that can harm their health. The Health Canada Consider the consequences of vaping website warns that “vaping can expose you to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and acrolein, and metals and contaminants like nickel, tin, and aluminum. You don’t want any of these in your lungs!” Furthermore, vaping can efficiently deliver nicotine to the body, causing one to crave it more and more, which can lead to an addiction and physical dependence.

In fact, since the fall of 2019, the Government of Canada is investigating the emergence of vaping-associated lung illness, also known as severe pulmonary illness associated with vaping. Health Canada and the New Brunswick Government have issued statements warning the public about the potential dangers of vaping product use. There have been many cases reported in the USA and a few in Canada – which raises concern about the immediate risks and potential long term effects of vaping.

For many non-smokers, especially youth, vaping can become a gateway towards smoking cigarettes, and using other tobacco products or cannabis.

Go to Canada.ca/vaping for useful information on all the risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping products.


Warnings and Statements from Health Canada on the dangers and risks of e-cigarettes and vaping products: 

Declaration from the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health: 

News Release from the New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health:

Vaping As a Smoking Cessation Aid

Some Canadians report having had success in quitting smoking by using vaping products. Health Canada recognizes that vaping products “may reduce health risks for smokers who can’t or don’t want to quit using nicotine:
  • on their own
  • by using counselling services
  • by using medication or approved nicotine replacement therapies like:
    • gums
    • patches
    • lozenges”

It is clear that for smokers, quitting smoking is the best thing they can do to improve their health. For smokers thinking of using vaping products to quit smoking or switching completely to vaping products, Health Canada says:

  • “completely replacing cigarette smoking with vaping will reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • there are short-term general health improvements if you completely switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping products.”
One should be careful and seek professional advice, however, when considering vaping products to quit smoking. Vaping is not officially recognized nor endorsed as a smoking cessation aid, since many less harmful therapies exist and have been proven effective.

Rise in Popularity of Vaping in Canada

The rise in popularity of vaping products among non-smokers, especially young people, is alarming.

A study by Dr. David Hammond, published in June 2019 in the British Medical Journal found a dramatic 74% increase in vaping among youth aged 16-19 in Canada from Aug/Sept 2017 to Aug/Sept 2018, with vaping increasing from 8.4% to 14.6% in the past 30 days.

The 2018-2019 New Brunswick Student Wellness Survey (Grades 6-12) has also revealed that almost one-third of New Brunswick youth have tried vaping. The number of students between grades 6-and-12 who say they’ve tried vaping is up across the board in New Brunswick. More than 29 per cent of youth surveyed say they’ve tried a vape product or an e-cigarette, compared to 22 per cent three years ago.

Legislation

In Canada, Bill S-5 (An Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-smokers’ Health Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts) was adopted on May 23, 2018, formally legalizing (and regulating) vaping products. Since the adoption of Bill-S-5, Health Canada has lead a series of consultations on strenghtening regulations surrounding vaping products.

In December 2019, Health Canada announced its intent to implement stronger vaping regulations, citing: “The Government of Canada is concerned by the rapid rise in youth vaping, and is taking action to address it. Working with other orders of governments, the medical community and other stakeholders, the government will do more to protect youth from the risks of vaping.” These new regulations will prohibit the promotion and advertising of vaping products anywhere they can be seen or heard by youth as well as implement new mandatory health warnings on vaping product packaging. Packaging will be required to be child resistant, and limits will be placed on nicotine content to ensure that vaping products are not toxic to children if accidentally ingested. Health Canada also announced that additional measures with respect to reducing nicotine concentration limits and additional flavour restrictions are being examined.

Additionally, various Canadian provinces are implementing their own regulations to deal with the problematic rise in popularity of youth vaping. The New Brunswick Anti-Tobacco Coalition (NBATC) is closely following these developments. View a list here of current legislation in place or in the works throughout Canada.

It should be noted that the New Brunswick Government addressed the issue of vaping in its Speech from the Throne on November 19, 2019. Under the priority Dependable Public Health Care, the following was stated; “Health risks associated with vaping, especially for young people, is a rising concern. Government will work with health specialists and advocates to develop a strategy to combat youth vaping in New Brunswick.” Currently in New Brunswick, the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping products, and e-juices to persons under 19 years of age. The sale of flavoured tobacco products to all New Brunswickers is also prohibited, but this does not extend to vaping products.

Provincial Vaping Working Group 

Many in New Brunswick have been working independently to address the increasing number of youth and young adults that are trying and using vaping products.  As this trend continues and more evidence about the harms of vaping for youth becomes available, now is the time for collaborative action.  Smoke and Vape Free NB (SVFNB) – in partnership with Vitalité Health Network – has been leading a Provincial Vaping Working Group since the spring of 2019. Everyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to join this Working Group. If you would like to participate, please contact the SVFNB.

Provincial Vaping Working Group Meeting Minutes:

Media Coverage (Since 2019) – Vaping Issue 

(in order – from most recent to less recent)

CBC has also launched a series examining the policy and industry failures that accompanied the introduction of vaping. The series is entitled: Vape Fail. View it here.

Reports and Statistics

Doctors seek Federal Court Order to Force Health Canada to complete its overdue review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act

PRESS RELEASE – November 14, 2022

Doctors seek Federal Court Order to Force Health Canada to Comply with Tobacco Law

Mandatory Report More Than Five Months Overdue

(Ottawa – November 14, 2022) Today a national health charity applied for a Federal Court order directing Health Canada to complete its overdue review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and to present the results to Parliament.

“The law is crystal clear” said Dr. Atul Kapur, president of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada (PSC). “Section 60 of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act says the Minister ‘must’ conduct a review of the provisions and operations of the law every two years, beginning in May 2021 and ‘must’ present each of these reports to Parliament within 12 months.”

“It is now more than five months past the deadline set by the law for the first report to be made public. It is increasingly apparent that without direction from the Court, the government will continue to disregard its responsibility to disclose the results of its policy choices on the tobacco and nicotine market.”
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VEEBA: In a surprise move, PMI launches disposable vapes in Canada

This week Canadian consumers and health regulators are facing a significant development in the vaping market, as the world’s largest tobacco company introduces VEEBA – an affordable and fancy disposable vape.

A very affordable option

PMI’s new product is now the lowest-priced disposable vape on the Canadian market.

The suggested retail price for VEEBA is $9.99, although some retailers are currently listing it for $7.99. (When the new federal tax is applied this coming October, the price will be increased by $1, which is the amount of tax levied for containers of 2 ml or less of e-liquid).

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Minister backs hiking legal age for vapes, smokes; Health Minister has discussed raising minimum age to 21

Minister backs hiking legal age for vapes, smokes; Health Minister Dorothy Shephard says she has discussed raising minimum age to 21; Exclusive

New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal

By John Chilibeck

July 08, 2022

New Brunswick’s health minister says she’s open to the idea of banning the sale of tobacco and vape products to young people under the age of 21.

In an email to the Daily Gleaner, Dorothy Shephard said she had recently met with the Canadian Cancer Society to discuss possible legislative changes relating to vaping and tobacco products, including raising the minimum age from 19.

“As minister of health, I believe this is a direction all provinces should be heading, and Prince Edward Island has already taken that step here in Atlantic Canada,” she said in the email Thursday. “I’ll be taking the opportunity, whenever I can, to share this message with my fellow health ministers and also my provincial cabinet and caucus colleagues.”

Making the change would require majority cabinet approval. Those cabinet meetings remain strictly confidential until a decision is reached.

The biggest cigarette maker in Canada, Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., did not respond for comment, nor did the Canadian Vaping Association.

On Wednesday, the Canadian Cancer Society called upon the Higgs Progressive Conservative government to follow the lead of P.E.I. and the United States by banning the sale of tobacco and vape products to any young person under the age of 21.

Lana Randell, an advocacy worker for the organization in Saint John, says too many young people get hooked at an early age on the harmful products.

“We know the younger the legal age, the more likely teenagers will access tobacco and e-cigarettes,” she said in an interview. “With the legal age set at 19, a lot of 17-and 18-year-olds are likely to have a brother or sister or a friend, someone in their social circle, to purchase the products for them. But someone in high school, who’s 16 or 17, doesn’t usually have a friend who’s 21.”

A little over a year ago, the provincial government introduced changes to license about 40 vape shops across New Brunswick, charging them $100 a year, starting in April of this year.

It also banned the sale of flavoured vape products that might entice children, a move the cancer society supported.

As part of the society’s campaign to convince the New Brunswick government to follow the lead of the United States, which passed a federal law called Tobacco21 in December 2019 and, P.E.I., which followed suit in March 2020 by making it illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes – to anyone under 21, it released a new, one-minute video Wednesday of several teens from an unnamed New Brunswick high school promoting the idea of a wider ban.

The students point out that most people who smoke or vape began when they were teens.

The health minister agreed that was a problem.

“Even though the dangers of tobacco use is well known, close to 14 per cent of the provincial population over the age of 15 smokes. About six per cent of youth aged 12-19 years are taking a puff,” Shephard wrote. “Since most tobacco use begins in adolescence, it’s vital that we protect young people from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

“Educating New Brunswickers about these products, and the potential harms they can pose, is also crucial. I am committed to listening to the concerns raised by the Canadian Cancer Society and exploring what can be done.”

According to several studies, tobacco use is one of the main risk factors for developing chronic diseases like cancer, lung diseases and cardiovascular ailments, illnesses that kill hundreds of New Brunswickers each year.

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FDA orders Juul Labs to remove products from US market

(CNN)The US Food and Drug Administration ordered Juul products removed from the US market as the agency issued marketing denial orders for its vaping devices and pods.

“As a result, the company must stop selling and distributing these products. In addition, those currently on the U.S. market must be removed, or risk enforcement action,” the FDA said on Thursday.

Juul devices and four types of pods — tobacco and menthol-flavored — cannot be sold or distributed, the FDA said.

The agency said it reviewed the company’s premarket tobacco product applications and determined tJuul Labs’ study findings had “insufficient and conflicting data — including regarding genotoxicity and potentially harmful chemicals leaching from the company’s proprietary e-liquid pods — that have not been adequately addressed.”

“The FDA is tasked with ensuring that tobacco products sold in this country meet the standard set by the law, but the responsibility to demonstrate that a product meets those standards ultimately falls on the shoulders of the company,” said Michele Mital, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, in the news release. “As with all manufacturers, JUUL had the opportunity to provide evidence demonstrating that the marketing of their products meets these standards. However, the company did not provide that evidence and instead left us with significant questions. Without the data needed to determine relevant health risks, the FDA is issuing these marketing denial orders.”

The FDA action focuses on importation, distribution and sales, not individual use, and it “cannot and will not enforce against individual consumer possession or use of JUUL products or any other tobacco products.”

CNN has contacted Juul for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 2021

Released: 2022-05-05

According to recent results from the 2021 Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey (CTNS), vaping continues to be more prevalent among younger adults than older age groups. Results indicate that in 2021, 13% of youth (aged 15 to 19) and 17% of young adults (aged 20 to 24) reported having vaped at least once during the 30-day period before the survey, compared with 4% of adults aged 25 or older. Vaping to reduce stress has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic for those aged 15 to 19 and was reported as the main reason for vaping within this age group (33%).

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapour produced by a device such as an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), vape mod, vaporizer or vape pen. While some people use these devices to reduce or to quit smoking, vaping can also have negative effects on health, particularly among youth or non-smokers. According to Health Canada, the majority of vaping products contain nicotine and, like tobacco, can lead to nicotine addiction. Vaping may also increase the risk of exposure to other harmful chemicals.

A third cycle of the CTNS was conducted from mid-December 2021 to early February 2022. The CTNS was conducted by Statistics Canada in collaboration with Health Canada to obtain information about vaping and smoking habits.

Vaping remains stable among youth aged 15 to 19

A higher percentage of youth and young adults reported having ever tried vaping at some point in their life compared with adults aged 25 and older. In 2021, nearly half (48%) of young adults aged 20 to 24 and nearly 3 in 10 (29%) youth aged 15 to 19 reported having ever tried vaping at some point in their life, compared with 13% of adults aged 25 and older.

Among young adults aged 20 to 24, the rate of those who vaped in the past 30 days remained stable between 2019 and 2020, but increased from 13% in 2020 to 17% in 2021. On the other hand, this rate has remained stable over the last three years (since this survey started) among youth aged 15 to 19 (13% in 2021) and adults aged 25 and older (4% in 2021).

Overall, 5% of Canadians reported having vaped in the past 30 days. New Brunswick had the highest rate of vaping (9%), followed by Prince Edward Island (8%) and Quebec (6%).

A higher proportion of Canadians reported vaping on a daily basis in 2021 compared with before the pandemic (2019). Among those who reported vaping in the past 30 days, 55% responded that they vaped on a daily basis, compared with 44% in 2019.

More youth aged 15 to 19 report vaping to reduce stress than in 2019

Since there are health risks associated with vaping, particularly for youth, it is important to understand the reasons why Canadians are vaping.

In 2021, among people who vaped in the past 30 days, 18% reported that their main reason for vaping was to reduce stress. Compared with 2019 results (21%), stress reduction was more commonly reported as the main reason for vaping by youth aged 15 to 19 in 2021 (33%). This may be an indication that youth aged 15 to 19 are vaping in part to cope with stress caused by the pandemic and other difficult situations, such as ongoing disruptions to education and workplaces.

In addition to reducing stress, youth aged 15 to 19 reported vaping because they enjoyed it (28%) and because they wanted to try it (24%). Among young adults aged 20 to 24, the most commonly reported reasons for vaping were because they enjoyed it (27%); to reduce stress (25%); or to reduce, quit or avoid returning to smoking (24%). In contrast, a higher proportion of Canadians aged 25 and older reported vaping to reduce, quit or avoid returning to smoking (58%) as their main reason, while another 14% reported vaping because they enjoyed it.

Fruit and mint or menthol are the most vaped flavours

Flavours have been identified as one of the potential factors contributing to the high proportion of youth vaping in Canada.

Among people who vaped in the past 30 days, across all age groups, the most vaped flavours were fruit (53%) followed by mint or menthol (18%).

Chart 1 
Most often used flavour among those who vaped in the 30 days before the survey, by age group, 2021, Canada, excluding the territories

Flavour preferences varied by age group but not by gender. More vapers from the youngest age group (aged 15 to 19) preferred fruit flavours (65%) compared with adults aged 20 to 24 (57%) and those aged 25 and older (48%).

By contrast, tobacco flavour was more popular among users aged 25 and older (14%) than it was among the younger age groups (1% among youth aged 15 to 19 and 2% among adults aged 20 to 24).

Most youth who vape have never smoked tobacco

One of the potential uses of vaping is to reduce or quit smoking tobacco. However, among those who reported having vaped in the past 30 days, a majority (61%) of youth aged 15 to 19 and more than one-quarter (27%) of young adults aged 20 to 24 had never tried a tobacco cigarette in their life. This finding suggests that the majority of youth are not using vaping devices to reduce or quit smoking.

Overall in 2021, 10% of Canadians reported smoking cigarettes on a regular basis. For all age groups, cigarette smoking remained stable compared with the previous year.

In 2021, approximately three times more Canadians aged 20 and older (11%) reported being a current smoker than those aged 15 to 19 (4%).

Finally, smoking continued to be more prevalent among men than women in 2021, with 12% of men reporting that they were current smokers compared with 9% of women.

Table 1
Percentage of Canadians aged 15 and older who vaped in their lifetime or in the 30 days before the survey, by age group or gender, 2021, Canada, excluding the territories

Table 2
Percentage of Canadians aged 15 and older by smoking status, by age group or gender, 2021, Canada, excluding the territories

  Note to readers

Data in this release are from the 2021 Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey (CTNS), which collects information about the prevalence of cigarette smoking, vaping and cannabis use. The survey was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022, and information was collected from 9,908 respondents. Even though the collection period ended in February 2022, 2021 is used to designate this collection period to simplify the text. The target population was non-institutionalized people aged 15 and older living in Canada’s 10 provinces who do not live in collective dwellings or on reserves. Questionnaire content was developed in collaboration with Health Canada. Previous cycles were conducted from October to December 2019 and from December 2020 to January 2021, and data from these cycles are provided to examine time trends.

In the context of this analysis, vaping includes vaping e-liquid—with and without nicotine (i.e., just flavouring)—and using an e-cigarette, vape mod, vaporizer or vape pen. The analysis excludes vaping cannabis.

Respondents who reported having used a vaping product at least once during the 30-day period preceding the survey, also referred to as “vaped in the past 30 days,” were asked about the type of product used, frequency of use and reasons for vaping. Survey sampling weights were applied so that the analyses would be representative of the targeted population.

Respondents were asked to identify their main reason for vaping in the 30 days before the survey. Users were classified across the following categories: those who just wanted to try; those who reported enjoying it; those who vaped to reduce stress; those who vaped to reduce, quit or avoid returning to smoking; and those who mentioned other reasons.

In addition, those who reported vaping in the 30 days before the survey were asked to identify the flavour they vaped most often. Flavours were categorized as follows: tobacco, fruit, candy or dessert, mint or menthol, and other flavours.

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Heart & Stroke applauds health-related measures in 2022 federal budget

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Heart & Stroke Foundation 

Apr 07, 2022, 20:37 ET

A tax on vaping products will help keep them out of the reach of youth

OTTAWA, ON, April 7, 2022 /CNW/ –  Heart & Stroke is pleased to see several health promoting elements in the 2022 federal budget, including a tax on vape products, a continued commitment to pharmacare and improving access to nutritious food in schools through a National School Food Policy.

Youth vaping is a crisis as one in five grade 7– 12 students in Canada vape. A recent Heart & Stroke funded study on youth vaping behaviour and preferences revealed that vaping products are highly affordable for young people.

“Higher prices will make vape products less affordable to youth and therefore less accessible to them,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “Youth deserve to be protected from these addictive products and increasing taxes is one of the most effective ways to do this.”

The excise tax on vaping products will take effect on October 1, 2022. In the budget, the federal government also invited its provincial and territorial counterparts to join a coordinated vaping taxation framework, under which an additional duty equal to the proposed federal rate would be applied.

Heart & Stroke hopes to see additional measures announced soon to further protect youth such as banning vape flavours that are attractive to youth, including mint and menthol. Flavours entice young people to start vaping and to keep vaping.

The stated recommitment to developing a national pharmacare program by tabling a Canada Pharmacare bill by 2023 and the development of a national formulary and bulk purchasing plan are also welcome. Pharmacare is an essential part of healthcare, and 7.5 million Canadians have insufficient or no drug coverage.

A focus on healthy public policies is more important than ever as the pandemic has posed significant challenges to many, including people living with chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke and their caregivers.

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Federal Health Ministers refer to vaping liquids for message on National Poison Prevention Week

Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on National Poison Prevention Week – March 20 to 26, 2022

From: Health Canada

Statement

March 23, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

This National Poison Prevention Week, we would like to remind Canadians that many items found in our homes can be poisonous, causing serious harm if not used, stored, or disposed of correctly. With this year’s theme – Make your plan – in mind, Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to keep their loved ones safe by understanding what products are poisonous and checking that they are safely stored in their home.

An estimated 90 percent of unintentional, preventable poisonings take place at home. Young children and persons with cognitive impairment are at the greatest risk of unintentional poisonings. The health effects of poisonings can vary widely, from temporary injury to death, and depend on which substances the individual is exposed to, the amount, and the type of contact.

Three of the most commonly reported sources of unintentional poisonings are household cleaning products such as detergent packets, cannabis, and vaping liquids containing nicotine.

  • Cleaning products: Commonly used cleaning products, like laundry and dishwasher detergent packets, can be poisonous. These small, brightly coloured packets have been mistaken for candy and swallowed, causing serious injuries. To prevent poisonings, such products should be kept in their original child-resistant containers and stored out of sight and reach.
  • Cannabis: Ingesting cannabis is the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children. Results from the 2021 Canadian Cannabis Survey showed that 36% of Canadians who had cannabis inside their home stored it in unlocked cabinets or drawers, and 17% of Canadians stored it on open shelves or tables. Remember that illegal cannabis edible products are often packaged to look like popular food products, and can easily be mistaken for candy or other foods that appeal to kids. Only buy legal cannabis from licensed retailers and store it out of reach in its original child-resistant packaging.
  • Vaping liquid: Vaping liquid containing nicotine is poisonous, particularly to young children. Even in small amounts, it can be very harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. When buying a container of vaping liquid with nicotine, look for one that has a child-resistant closure and a toxic hazard symbol with the warning ‘POISON’, both of which are required by law.

Safe storage of household chemicals, cannabis, and vaping liquid is key to reducing the likelihood of poisonings in your home.

Poisonings can happen quickly. Knowing what your next step is can save lives. If you suspect that you or someone around you may have been poisoned, call a poison centre or 911 right away.

We want to thank all Canadians for helping to make the environments where our families live, learn, and play as safe as possible.

Find more information about safely buying, using, storing and disposing of drugs, health products and household chemical products on the Health Canada website.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.

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Science has marched on: it’s time to update the advice to Canadians

Since 2018, other governments have assigned committees of scientists to conduct reviews of the growing body of evidence. From these, a scientific consensus is emerging that vaping is dangerous and not especially useful as a smoking cessation method. While no single authoritative document has brought together these systematic reviews, meta-analyses and report of health authorities, it is now apparent that:

1. E-cigarettes have increased the number of young nicotine users in some countries.
2. Young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke conventional cigarettes.
3. Dual use is common and harmful.
4. When purchased as consumer products, e-cigarettes are not effective cessation aids.
5. E-cigarettes cause damage to respiratory and circulatory systems.
6. Other governments have provided more recent scientific assessments.
7. Health Canada’s messaging on e-cigarettes is out-dated.
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NEW BRUNSWICK FLAVOURED E-CIGARETTE BAN TO COME INTO FORCE SEPT. 1, 2021

News Release

Health

Ban on flavoured vaping products

30 August 2021

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government aims to curb a rise in teen vaping by banning the sale of all flavoured vaping products, except tobacco flavour, beginning Sept. 1.

Vaping products are currently available in a variety of flavours such as bubble gum, chocolate, cotton candy and mango. Research compiled by Health Canada indicates more than half of the young people surveyed said flavour and smell were their main reasons for trying these products. Effective Sept. 1, only tobacco-flavoured products will be allowed for sale in New Brunswick.

Vaping has been marketed to adults as a safer alternative to cigarettes, however most flavoured products still contain nicotine. Some of these products have nicotine levels equal to or higher than the amount found in cigarettes.

“Vaping is not harmless,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “These products contain harmful chemicals and nicotine.”

The number of young people using vaping products is increasing quickly. According to a survey conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council in 2018-19, 29 per cent of students said they had tried an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, compared with 22 per cent three years previous.

Shephard noted that emerging research shows young people who vape are twice as likely to try smoking and are almost twice as likely to become daily smokers within a year.

“We need to give our teens the best possible start in life,” said Shephard. “We need to create an environment where kids are not constantly being exposed to vaping. And we need to support those young people who are already struggling with addiction by providing the resources they need to quit.”

Counselling services for people who want to quit smoking or vaping are available from Go Smoke-Free NB at 1-866-366-3667.

To report retailers selling flavoured vaping products or selling any vaping products to minors, call 1-866-234-4234.

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New Brunswick flavoured e-cigarette ban to come into force Sept. 1, 2021

New Brunswick’s ban on flavoured e-cigarettes (other than tobacco flavour) will come into force next week on Wed. Sept. 1.

Here is an overview of implementation dates for bans on flavoured e-cigarettes (other than tobacco flavour) for provinces/territories in Canada:

Nova Scotia, April 1, 2020

PEI, March 1, 2021

New Brunswick, Sept. 1, 2021

Nunavut, legislation awaiting proclamation

As well, the Quebec government has announced an intention to adopt a regulation to ban flavoured e-cigarettes.

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The compliance of Canada’s vaping industry

Last week Health Canada released the results of its inspections of the instagram accounts of Canadian vaping suppliers. Just over half (53%) of the 304 suppliers failed inspection.

The industry fared somewhat better on this test than they did on the previous round of inspections of their retail stores in the summer and fall of 2019. On those occasions, fewer than 1 in 5 specialty vaping stores passed inspection (although the large majority of convenience stores did).

Implications for public health

The Canadian vaping industry was developed as a black market and appears to continues to operate with a level of disregard for the health regulations set by federal and provincial governments.

The three inspection reports made public by Health Canada establish the challenge governments face in setting standards for how these products can be sold.

Our review of the websites managed by the industry’s leaders provides additional evidence that the vaping industry’s failure to comply with health regulations is not likely because these rules are not understood, but more likely because they are not respected.

In 2019, Health Canada wrote vaping and retail organizations to emphasize that “this level of non-compliance is unacceptable.” To date, however, the department appears to have largely focused on sending warning letters, not imposing fines for non-compliance. Parliament set significant penalties for breaking the law (up to $500,000), but a penalty can only result from the federal government taking offenders to court.

Public health authorities currently cannot rely on vaping product suppliers to comply with health regulations. Increased enforcement activities are justified, as is consideration of alternative methods to manage this market.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking and Vaping in Canada

About This Report

This report presents findings on changes in Canadians’ smoking and vaping behaviours, cessation behaviours, COVID-19 related beliefs and perceptions, and trust in government and health authorities during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data are from the Wave 3 (2020) ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey of approximately 7,800 adult smokers and vapers in Canada, Australia, England and the United States. This report presents findings based on data collected from April 3 to June 1, 2020. Data are from respondents who completed a set of COVID-19 related questions added to the survey on April 3, 2020, approximately one month after the global pandemic was declared.

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Health Canada announces new restrictions to prevent youth vaping

The proposal would restrict the flavour options in vaping products in Canada to tobacco and mint/menthol. This will help make vaping less attractive to youth, while giving alternatives to adults who smoke and wish to transition, or have already transitioned to vaping. The consultation will be open for 75 days, open from June 18 to September 2, 2021. A proposal to restrict flavours in inhaled cannabis extracts has also been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I and will be open for 75 days for input.

Health Canada is also announcing that the Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations will be published in the next edition of the Canada Gazette, Part II. These regulations set a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL in vaping products to make them less appealing to youth. The regulations also prohibit the packaging and sale of vaping products if the nicotine concentration of the products exceeds this limit. Manufacturers must adhere to this limit by July 8, 2021; retailers may not sell products that exceed this limit after July 23, 2021.

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New Brunswick e-cigarette bills on e-cigarette flavours, retail licensing, received third reading

In New Brunswick, private member’s bill 63 of Liberal health critic Jean-Claude D’Amours received third reading on Thursday June 10.  The bill includes a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes (other than tobacco flavour) and will come into force on Sept. 1, 2021.  Second reading and third reading of Bill 63 was conducted by a voice vote, and there were no apparent votes against the bill at the second reading or third reading votes. Bill 63, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, can be seen here:

https://www.gnb.ca/legis/bill/FILE/60/1/Bill-63-e.htm

The private member’s bill of Jean-Claude D’Amours had originally been introduced on Nov. 18, 2020, as Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act.  Bill 17 also had a ban on flavours in e-cigarettes other than tobacco flavour.  Bill 17 received second reading on May 20, 2021, and was considered in committee on May 27.  During committee, the government was advancing a number of technical amendments.  However, consideration of these amendments was put on pause.  Instead of Bill 17 advancing further, Jean-Claude D’Amours re-introduced his private member’s bill as Bill 63 on June 1, 2021, with amendments, and with no longer a need for the government to introduce amendments.  Bill 63 received second reading on June 3, and was considered in committee on June 4.  In committee, a proposed amendment to exempt mint and menthol flavours from the flavour ban was introduced by People’s Alliance leader Kris Austen, but this proposed amendment in committee was defeated.  Bill 63 then went on to receive third reading on June 10 as originally introduced and without amendment.

Bill 17 can be seen here:

https://www1.gnb.ca/legis/bill/editform-e.asp?ID=1513&legi=60&num=1

Bill 55, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, a government bill that received first reading on May 11, 2021, received third reading on June 9, 2021.  The bill requires specialty vape stores to have a retail licence and will come into force on January 4, 2022.  This licensing requirement is not intended to apply all stores selling e-cigarettes, such as convenience stores, on the stated basis that stores that also sell tobacco products are already required to have a provincial tobacco retail licence. (Nova Scotia requires stores selling both tobacco products and e-cigarettes to pay a separate licence fee for each.)  Bill 55 can be seen here:

https://www.gnb.ca/legis/bill/FILE/60/1/Bill-55-e.htm

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Official Opposition to bring bill 17 for second reading

The Official Opposition will bring bill 17, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act for second reading in the Legislative Assembly today. The bill, presented by the Liberal Health critic Jean-Claude D’Amours would prohibit the sale of flavoured e-liquids used for vaping.

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Canadian Cancer Society calls for immediate action from New Brunswick government on youth vaping as new polling results released

The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on all political parties to immediately adopt legislation to target youth vaping and protect youth from becoming addicted to nicotine. This call comes from growing concerns about the rapid increase in youth vaping as reflected in the 2020-21 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Survey of New Brunswick, a survey of youth aged 16-24. The lead author of the Canada-wide survey is Dr. Mohammed Al-Hamdani of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. The survey was conducted to better understand vaping behaviour, experiences, and product preferences of regular e-cigarette users among New Brunswick’s youth.

The survey results among New Brunswick youth indicate that 92% of participants currently prefer using flavoured vape juices, and 90% began vaping using a flavoured vape juice. Of New Brunswick youth participants who prefer flavoured vape juices, 48% reported they would not continue to vape if they could not purchase flavoured juices. Of those surveyed, 88.4% reported currently using vape juice containing nicotine and 61.1% of participants that consumed nicotine products used the highest permitted nicotine concentration (50-60 mg/mL). Survey results indicated 22.5% of participants reported purchasing their vaping device from a friend and 89.1% of participants reported offering their e-cigarette to someone else to use.

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2020-2021 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Project report released

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background: E-cigarette use (“vaping”) has been on the rise. The 2020-2021 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Project, conducted by The Lung Association of Nova Scotia and Smoke-Free Nova Scotia with funding from Heart & Stroke, aimed to examine the vaping behaviours, experiences, and product preferences of youth and young adult e-cigarette users in Canada.

Methods: Using an online survey, 3034 regular e-cigarette users (used a vaping product at least once a week for the past three months) between the ages of 16 and 24 and residing in one of ten Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan) were asked about their vaping behaviours (e.g., days vaped per week, number of vaping episodes per day, and number of puffs per vaping episode), experiences (e.g., co-use of other substances), and product preferences (e.g., nicotine concentration). This report details responses across the entire sample and further segments findings by age, gender, and region.

Results: The sample analyzed consisted of 3009 respondents. On average, respondents began vaping at the age of 15.79 years. More than half (53.1%) of respondents reported having tried to quit vaping, with many making several attempts. The average e-cigarette user engaged in vaping behaviour six days per week and had 30 vaping episodes per day, with approximately six puffs per episode. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents reported vaping less days per week (five days) and a marked decrease to 23 vaping episodes per day but puffs per episode were nearly unchanged. On average, respondents spent between $13 and $22 per week on ecigarettes. The overwhelming majority of respondents indicated that they have both used someone else’s e-cigarette (97.8%) and shared their e-cigarette with others (92.2%). For those that have shared their e-cigarette, the average number of people the e-cigarette was shared with was 20. Around half (50.6%) of all respondents had experienced a negative health effect related to vaping. The majority of respondents reported exposure to vaping-related advertisements on social media platforms (70.5%). Users of pod-based devices constituted the largest proportion of respondents (64.9%). Almost all users used a flavoured vape juice at initiation (91.9%) and presently (90.3%). In most provinces, berry, mango, and mint/menthol were the most commonly reported flavours used at initiation and at present. Most users used vape juice containing the highest possible concentrations of nicotine (50-60 mg/mL)1 (64.3%). With respect to tobacco use, 64.1% of respondents were former users and 11.8% were current users. Current smokers used 17 cigarettes per week on average. A notable proportion of respondents (36.4%) indicated that they knew someone who started smoking tobacco after vaping. In the past 30 days, cannabis use (17 days of use) was more common than alcohol use (7 days of use).

Conclusions: This is the first research sample to include all Canadian provinces. Analysis of the total sample reveals concerning vaping behaviours among youth and young adults. Regular ecigarette users report similar vaping behaviour and experiences across regions, though a number of notable differences at the individual- and regional-level emerged from our findings. In this report, we discuss our findings in the context of viable policy options to limit the appeal and restrict the use of e-cigarettes among youth and young adults across Canada. These include a comprehensive flavour ban, limiting permitted nicotine concentrations to 20 mg/mL, increasing taxation on vaping products, and increasing the minimum age of purchase to 21.

1 For those specifying the exact range of nicotine concentration used in their device

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New survey results show a flattening of youth vaping rates

Statistics Canada released the results of its second annual survey on tobacco and vaping. The Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey (CTNS) was first conducted in the fall of 2019, and was repeated in December 2020-January 2021.

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Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 2020, results released

On March 17, 2021, initial results from the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey (CTNS), 2020, were released.  Below is information from Statistics Canada.  CTNS was first conducted in 2019. CTNS smoking prevalence has tracked lower than the Canadian Community Health Survey, which has a much larger sample size.

In 2019, the survey was conducted between Dec. 8, 2019 and Jan. 16, 2021.

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For Many Young People, 2021 is the Year to Cancel Vaping

Reversing a toxic cultural trend

Vaping used to be seen as cool. But times have changed. As influencer Victoria Annunziato says, “Like many others, I started using e-cigarettes when I was young. I had no idea what nicotine was or how addictive it could be. I want to use my platform and work with truth to start a conversation about my own experience, so others can avoid the traps that got me hooked or quit with me if they are already vaping. I’m hopeful that my journey will inspire others and spread awareness.”

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TikTok is being used by vape sellers marketing to teens

Sellers are offering flavored disposable vapes, parent-proof ‘discreet’ packaging, no ID checks.

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One year later: Weedless Wednesday Advice from the Chief Medical Officers of Health

Last year, about 6 weeks before Canada and the world became gripped with the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health (CCMOH) issued a collective statement related to the highly-transmissable vaping variant of the older tobacco pandemic.

The occasion was, like today,  Weedless Wednesday.

On Wednesday, January 22, 2020 the CCMOH issued their third joint statment on “Nicotine Vaping”. In it, they called on governments to shift their approach to vaping so that these products were used only as a way to end nicotine use. They specified about two dozen “regulatory and policy recommendations that we believe are necessary to be taken by federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments to address this rapidly emerging public health threat.”

In the past year, virtually all governments have strengthened controls on the vaping industry.

In the past 12 months, seven (Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, PEI, Saskatchewan), and three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) as well as the federal government have advanced regulatory controls on e-cigarettes. Two other provinces (New Brunswick and Quebec) have also indicated their intention to do so.

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New Brunswick Liberal Health Critic introduces bill to ban flavoured e-cigarettes

On Nov. 18, 2020, New Brunswick Liberal Health Critic Jean-Claude D´Amours introduced a private member`s bill to ban flavoured e-cigarettes.  Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, can be seen here:

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New longitudinal studies find little support for e-cigarettes as an effective tool for population-level smoking cessation

So far, the Canadian evidence, like that in the USA, does not support the conclusion that vaping is an effective population-based smoking cessation method.

For More Information
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New Brunswick – CCS calls for action on youth vaping during provincial election campaign

Canadian Cancer Society calls for all political parties to commit to youth vaping legislation in platforms

New Brunswick lags far behind other Maritime Provinces in curbing youth vaping

August 31, 2020 (Saint John, New Brunswick): The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on all political parties to adopt meaningful and actionable platform commitments to address significant gaps in cancer prevention and support for those living with cancer and have identified two key issues.  The first priority is an essential component of combating the current youth vaping culture in New Brunswick as outlined in this video (see here), with a clear message: governments need to do more to address youth vaping and increasing the minimum age to 21 is a strong start. “Vaping rates in New Brunswick are reaching epidemic levels. We need government to take strong immediate action by passing a suite of comprehensive measures designed to reduce vaping rates amongst youth,” says Lana Randell, Advocacy Coordinator.

During the 2020 New Brunswick Provincial Election, we continue to encourage the government and all Members of Legislative Assembly to highlight the ongoing tobacco epidemic and create effective policies that will promote healthier lifestyles, protect the next generation of Canadians and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer.

Effective action on vaping must include key policy measures, such as raising the minimum age for e-cigarettes and tobacco to 21, restricting e-cigarette sales to adult-only locations, and removing flavours from e-cigarettes, taxation, amongst others.  Earlier this year, Prince Edward Island adopted legislation to increase the minimum smoking and vaping age to 21 and restrict sales of e-cigarettes to adult-only locations and just announced regulations to eliminate the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes.  Nova Scotia recently implemented regulations to eliminate the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, cap nicotine levels at 20mg/ml, and a taxation structure on e-cigarette products and e-juice.

A 2019 study, led by Professor David Hammond of the University of Waterloo, found that among those 16-19 years old, vaping increased by a stunning 112% from 2017 to 2019, from 8.4% to 17.8%. “The e-cigarette industry has designed a persuasive and enticing market for youth, and the growing use and popularity of vaping products is a direct threat to the progress made in tobacco control,” says Randell.  “Governments have an opportunity to stem the tide of this growing crisis, and we urge them to act swiftly and decisively.”

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada, which is why CCS urges the provincial government to adopt a minimum age of 21. The vast majority of smokers begin smoking before the age of 19 and many of them get and stay addicted. A recent report by the Institute of Medicine concluded that increasing the minimum tobacco sales age to 21 in the U.S. would reduce smoking rates among 15- to 17-year-olds by 25%, and among 18 and 19-year-olds by 15%.  (Video)

The Canadian Cancer Society has identified a second key priority with the need to expedite the implementation of the already approved and funded Palliative Care Strategy to improve access to palliative care for the people of New Brunswick, with cancer patients comprising approximately 80% of patients who receive palliative care.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is the only national charity that supports Canadians with all cancers in communities across the country. No other organization does what we do; we are the voice for Canadians who care about cancer. We fund groundbreaking research, provide a support system for all those affected by cancer and shape health policies to prevent cancer and support those living with the disease.

Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

For more information, please contact:

Lana Randell
Canadian Cancer Society
506.634.6276

Study – Increased exposure to e-cigarette marketing in Canada is strongly associated with increases in youth vaping

A study by David Hammond et al concluded that “Increased exposure to e-cigarette marketing in Canada is strongly associated with increases in youth vaping. With our findings, we provide empirical support for the effectiveness of more comprehensive regulatory restrictions that are being considered at the federal and provincial levels in Canada.”

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Statement on the second anniversary of the federal Tobacco and Vaping Products Act

On the second anniversary of the federal Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) coming into force, tobacco control organizations are calling on the Health Minister and other Parliamentarians to acknowledge the dangerous flaws in the law and to act faster to strengthen national controls on the vaping market.

The press release is below. What’s your opinion on this?

Press Release
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Vaping among Canadian teens doubles in 2 years, new research shows

New research reveals vaping among Canadian youth has risen dramatically over the past two years, and experts say it shows no signs of slowing down unless stricter regulations are put in place immediately.

MORE INFORMATION
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Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey 2019 – Statistics Canada – 2020d

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapour produced by a device such as an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), vape mod, vaporizer or vape pen.

While some use these devices to curtail or to quit smoking, vaping can also have negative effects, particularly among youth. According to Health Canada, the majority of vaping products contain nicotine, and vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. Vaping may also increase the risk of exposure to other harmful chemicals.

For the first time, Statistics Canada has collected detailed information about vaping. The new Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey aims to shed light on the types of products Canadians are using, how often they are vaping and their reasons for doing so.

Website

Vaping Prevention Toolkit – BC Lung Association – 2020

Youth vaping has reached epidemic levels, threatening to addict a new generation of young people on nicotine. In an effort to address the problem, the BC Lung Association recently partnered with Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health Authorities to develop a Vaping Prevention Toolkit.

Contents:

  • Infographic
  • FAQs
  • Vaping Products Information for Parents
  • Vaping Products Information for Teachers
  • PowerPoint Presentation
WEBSITE

Heat Not Burn Tobacco Product—A New Global Trend: Impact of Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products on Public Health, a Systematic Review – International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health – 2020

The use of heat-not-burn tobacco products (HnB) is being adopted increasingly as an alternative to smoking combusted products, primarily cigarettes. Substantial controversy has accompanied their marketing and use in the public health context. In this study, we aimed to consider the probable impacts of heat-not-burn tobacco products use on public health.

Website
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Research on Electronic Cigarettes: Advertising and Promotion – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU) – 2020

Report on recent findings, centred on advertising and promotion, from the OTRU’s Research on E-Cigarette and Waterpipe Health System Research Fund project. As part of the Research on E – Cigarettes and Waterpipe Health System Research Fund project, OTRU conducted a longitudinal youth and young adult survey, a point-of-sale observational study and a focus group study in an effort to gather insights into changes in vaping cultures, environments, and marketing influences.

Website
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Association of E-Cigarette Use With Respiratory Disease Among Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis – American Journal of Preventative Medicine – 2019

The evidence on the health burden of e-cigarettes continues to build with the results of a cohort study of the respiratory effects of e-cigarettes among adults by Bhatta and Glantz.

Website
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Electronic cigarette use and smoking initiation among youth, a longitudinal cohort study, David Hammond et al, Canadian Medical Association Journal – 2017

The influence of ecigarette use on smoking initiation is a highly controversial issue, with limited longitudinal data available for examining temporal associations. We examined e-cigarette use and its association with cigarette-smoking initiation at 1-year follow-up within a large cohort of Canadian secondary school students.

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Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – 2018

Millions of Americans use e-cigarettes, even as rates of smoking combustible tobacco cigarettes continue to decline among youth and adults. In 2016 youth e-cigarette use was substantially higher than cigarette smoking or use of any other tobacco product. The Center for Tobacco Products of the Food and Drug Administration requested that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convene a committee of experts to conduct a review the available evidence of the health effects related to the use of e-cigarettes and identify future federally funded research needs.

Website
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The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act: Implications for E-Cigarette Point-of-Sale Promotion – Ontario Tobacco Research Unite Update – 2018

E-cigarettes are now being aggressively marketed at point-of-sale in convenience stores as well as in vape shops, with and without claims about health effects and about smoking cessation effectiveness. Our research suggests that e-cigarettes are being promoted in such a way as to attract youth and young adult nonsmokers and that vape shops serve as a major channel of the marketing and promotion of e-cigarettes for recreational purposes. Considering the addictive properties of nicotine and the potential health effects of vaping, it will be important to study the effects of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act on the use of e-cigarettes by nonsmokers.

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Youth and Young Adult Vaping in Canada – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit Project Newsletter – 2018

As part of the Health System Research Fund, OTRU’s Research on E-Cigarettes and Waterpipe (RECIG-WP) grant has established a Youth and Young Adult Panel Study in order to help understand what happens over time to young people, especially non-smokers, who start vaping. In this newsletter, we highlight preliminary findings from baseline data collection.

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Sales of JUUL e-cigarette skyrocket, posing danger to youth – Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – 2018

Sales of JUUL, an e-cigarette shaped like a USB flash drive, grew more than seven-fold from 2016 to 2017, and held the greatest share of the U.S. e-cigarette market by December 2017. The findings, from an analysis of retail sales data from 2013-2017, were released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Monitoring the Future – National Adolescent Drug Trends in 2018 – University of Michigan Institute for Social Research – 2019

Increases in adolescent vaping from 2017 to 2018 were the largest ever recorded in the past 43 years for any adolescent substance use outcome in the U.S. The percentage of 12th grade students who reported vaping nicotine in the past 30 days nearly doubled, rising from 11% to 21%. This ten percentage point increase is twice as large as the previous record for largest-ever increase among past 30-day outcomes in 12th grade. As a result of the increase, one in five 12th grade students vaped nicotine in the last 30 days in 2018.

Furthermore, vaping prevalence more than doubled in each of the three grades from 2017 to 2019. In 2019, the prevalence of use during the previous 30 days was more than 1 in 4 students in the 12th grade, more than 1 in 5 in the 10th grade, and more than 1 in 11 in the 8th grade.

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Prevalence of vaping and smoking among adolescents in Canada, England, and the United States, David Hammond et al, British Medical Journal – 2019

A study published in the British Medical Journal has found a dramatic 74% increase in vaping among youth aged 16-19 in Canada from Aug/Sept 2017 to Aug/Sept 2018, with vaping increasing from 8.4% to 14.6% in the past 30 days.

News Releases:

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E-Cigarette Use for Smoking Cessation: Scientific Evidence and Smokers’ Experience – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit – 2019

Knowledge synthesis of reviews regarding the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. We also conducted a study of experiences among Ontario smokers who have tried vaping to quit smoking cigarettes. Preliminary findings from these initiatives are highlighted in this report.

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Interventions to Prevent Harms from Vaping – Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU) – 2019

The use of e-cigarettes—particularly among youth and young adults—has become a growing concern in Ontario. Local health units have a strong interest in implementing evidence-based interventions to counter the uptake of e-cigarette use. For this report, OTRU conducted a review of vaping interventions that could be implemented at a local level. With a focus on prevention, our search found several promising practices but little evaluative evidence on their effectiveness. Most interventions observed were public education and school-based efforts. Other interventions included community-based interventions, health-care provider interventions, aerosol-free policies, age restrictions and advertising and promotion restrictions. A vaping path logic model is presented to help organize possible interventions and expected outcomes.

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Public Education and Prevention Resources

Let’s Talk About Vaping: A Quick Reference Guide

The Horizon Health Network’s Centre of Excellence for Clinical Smoking Cessation has created a vaping toolkit for the Healthy Learners in School Program of Public Health that is intended to provide resources and information on vaping for educators working in the Department of Education. This resource contains information on the following topics:

  • general vaping information
  • nicotine and the young brain
  • nicotine and mental heath
  • health impacts of vaping
  • marketing tactics targeting youth
  • quitting vaping
  • resources
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Consider the Consequences of Vaping Self-led Module

Health Canada is pleased to offer a Consider the Consequences of Vaping self-led module to help and support educators in engaging with youth on vaping.

This online module aims to provide youth aged 13-18 with information about vaping to help them make informed decisions about their health. The module offers three key topic areas which can be used in classrooms or community settings to educate teens on the harms and risks associated with youth vaping. The module includes engaging activities, informative content, and videos.

The module covers the following topics:

Part One – An introduction to teen vaping and its harms and risks.

Part Two – Information on the health effects of vaping nicotine and cannabis for teens.

Part Three – Insights into the cost of vaping, and tips and tricks to overcome peer pressure.

Also included is a user guide which provides information about and how to use the module as well as a list of additional resources.

Click Online self-led module – Health Canada Experiences to begin the online self-guided experience

For questions and comments – please contact the Tobacco Control Directorate – Contact us — Tobacco Control Directorate — Health Canada – Canada.ca.

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Youth vaping prevention resources

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VEEBA: In a surprise move, PMI launches disposable vapes in Canada

This week Canadian consumers and health regulators are facing a significant development in the vaping market, as the world’s largest tobacco company introduces VEEBA – an affordable and fancy disposable vape.

A very affordable option

PMI’s new product is now the lowest-priced disposable vape on the Canadian market.

The suggested retail price for VEEBA is $9.99, although some retailers are currently listing it for $7.99. (When the new federal tax is applied this coming October, the price will be increased by $1, which is the amount of tax levied for containers of 2 ml or less of e-liquid).

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Minister backs hiking legal age for vapes, smokes; Health Minister has discussed raising minimum age to 21

Minister backs hiking legal age for vapes, smokes; Health Minister Dorothy Shephard says she has discussed raising minimum age to 21; Exclusive

New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal

By John Chilibeck

July 08, 2022

New Brunswick’s health minister says she’s open to the idea of banning the sale of tobacco and vape products to young people under the age of 21.

In an email to the Daily Gleaner, Dorothy Shephard said she had recently met with the Canadian Cancer Society to discuss possible legislative changes relating to vaping and tobacco products, including raising the minimum age from 19.

“As minister of health, I believe this is a direction all provinces should be heading, and Prince Edward Island has already taken that step here in Atlantic Canada,” she said in the email Thursday. “I’ll be taking the opportunity, whenever I can, to share this message with my fellow health ministers and also my provincial cabinet and caucus colleagues.”

Making the change would require majority cabinet approval. Those cabinet meetings remain strictly confidential until a decision is reached.

The biggest cigarette maker in Canada, Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., did not respond for comment, nor did the Canadian Vaping Association.

On Wednesday, the Canadian Cancer Society called upon the Higgs Progressive Conservative government to follow the lead of P.E.I. and the United States by banning the sale of tobacco and vape products to any young person under the age of 21.

Lana Randell, an advocacy worker for the organization in Saint John, says too many young people get hooked at an early age on the harmful products.

“We know the younger the legal age, the more likely teenagers will access tobacco and e-cigarettes,” she said in an interview. “With the legal age set at 19, a lot of 17-and 18-year-olds are likely to have a brother or sister or a friend, someone in their social circle, to purchase the products for them. But someone in high school, who’s 16 or 17, doesn’t usually have a friend who’s 21.”

A little over a year ago, the provincial government introduced changes to license about 40 vape shops across New Brunswick, charging them $100 a year, starting in April of this year.

It also banned the sale of flavoured vape products that might entice children, a move the cancer society supported.

As part of the society’s campaign to convince the New Brunswick government to follow the lead of the United States, which passed a federal law called Tobacco21 in December 2019 and, P.E.I., which followed suit in March 2020 by making it illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes – to anyone under 21, it released a new, one-minute video Wednesday of several teens from an unnamed New Brunswick high school promoting the idea of a wider ban.

The students point out that most people who smoke or vape began when they were teens.

The health minister agreed that was a problem.

“Even though the dangers of tobacco use is well known, close to 14 per cent of the provincial population over the age of 15 smokes. About six per cent of youth aged 12-19 years are taking a puff,” Shephard wrote. “Since most tobacco use begins in adolescence, it’s vital that we protect young people from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

“Educating New Brunswickers about these products, and the potential harms they can pose, is also crucial. I am committed to listening to the concerns raised by the Canadian Cancer Society and exploring what can be done.”

According to several studies, tobacco use is one of the main risk factors for developing chronic diseases like cancer, lung diseases and cardiovascular ailments, illnesses that kill hundreds of New Brunswickers each year.

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Heart & Stroke applauds health-related measures in 2022 federal budget

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Heart & Stroke Foundation 

Apr 07, 2022, 20:37 ET

A tax on vaping products will help keep them out of the reach of youth

OTTAWA, ON, April 7, 2022 /CNW/ –  Heart & Stroke is pleased to see several health promoting elements in the 2022 federal budget, including a tax on vape products, a continued commitment to pharmacare and improving access to nutritious food in schools through a National School Food Policy.

Youth vaping is a crisis as one in five grade 7– 12 students in Canada vape. A recent Heart & Stroke funded study on youth vaping behaviour and preferences revealed that vaping products are highly affordable for young people.

“Higher prices will make vape products less affordable to youth and therefore less accessible to them,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “Youth deserve to be protected from these addictive products and increasing taxes is one of the most effective ways to do this.”

The excise tax on vaping products will take effect on October 1, 2022. In the budget, the federal government also invited its provincial and territorial counterparts to join a coordinated vaping taxation framework, under which an additional duty equal to the proposed federal rate would be applied.

Heart & Stroke hopes to see additional measures announced soon to further protect youth such as banning vape flavours that are attractive to youth, including mint and menthol. Flavours entice young people to start vaping and to keep vaping.

The stated recommitment to developing a national pharmacare program by tabling a Canada Pharmacare bill by 2023 and the development of a national formulary and bulk purchasing plan are also welcome. Pharmacare is an essential part of healthcare, and 7.5 million Canadians have insufficient or no drug coverage.

A focus on healthy public policies is more important than ever as the pandemic has posed significant challenges to many, including people living with chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke and their caregivers.

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Federal Health Ministers refer to vaping liquids for message on National Poison Prevention Week

Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on National Poison Prevention Week – March 20 to 26, 2022

From: Health Canada

Statement

March 23, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

This National Poison Prevention Week, we would like to remind Canadians that many items found in our homes can be poisonous, causing serious harm if not used, stored, or disposed of correctly. With this year’s theme – Make your plan – in mind, Health Canada is encouraging Canadians to keep their loved ones safe by understanding what products are poisonous and checking that they are safely stored in their home.

An estimated 90 percent of unintentional, preventable poisonings take place at home. Young children and persons with cognitive impairment are at the greatest risk of unintentional poisonings. The health effects of poisonings can vary widely, from temporary injury to death, and depend on which substances the individual is exposed to, the amount, and the type of contact.

Three of the most commonly reported sources of unintentional poisonings are household cleaning products such as detergent packets, cannabis, and vaping liquids containing nicotine.

  • Cleaning products: Commonly used cleaning products, like laundry and dishwasher detergent packets, can be poisonous. These small, brightly coloured packets have been mistaken for candy and swallowed, causing serious injuries. To prevent poisonings, such products should be kept in their original child-resistant containers and stored out of sight and reach.
  • Cannabis: Ingesting cannabis is the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children. Results from the 2021 Canadian Cannabis Survey showed that 36% of Canadians who had cannabis inside their home stored it in unlocked cabinets or drawers, and 17% of Canadians stored it on open shelves or tables. Remember that illegal cannabis edible products are often packaged to look like popular food products, and can easily be mistaken for candy or other foods that appeal to kids. Only buy legal cannabis from licensed retailers and store it out of reach in its original child-resistant packaging.
  • Vaping liquid: Vaping liquid containing nicotine is poisonous, particularly to young children. Even in small amounts, it can be very harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. When buying a container of vaping liquid with nicotine, look for one that has a child-resistant closure and a toxic hazard symbol with the warning ‘POISON’, both of which are required by law.

Safe storage of household chemicals, cannabis, and vaping liquid is key to reducing the likelihood of poisonings in your home.

Poisonings can happen quickly. Knowing what your next step is can save lives. If you suspect that you or someone around you may have been poisoned, call a poison centre or 911 right away.

We want to thank all Canadians for helping to make the environments where our families live, learn, and play as safe as possible.

Find more information about safely buying, using, storing and disposing of drugs, health products and household chemical products on the Health Canada website.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, P.C., M.P.

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Quash project, Lung Health Foundation

Please find attached an overview of the “Quash” project from the Lung Health Foundation (LHF). “Quash” is a behaviour change program, featuring an app that aims to help young people (14–30) quit smoking and/or vaping. The program also includes free, online, self-guided training for adults interested in delivering the program to young people. Through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, Health Canada has invested $960.9K over 3 years to fund this project.

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Announcement: New Website for the Live Well | Bien Vivre Program

A new website for the Live Well | Bien Vivre program has been launched.

LWBV is an evidence-based program using best practices to support client-led health behaviour change. Their professional health coaching is offered in English and French, at no charge, to all New Brunswickers 19 and older.

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Science has marched on: it’s time to update the advice to Canadians

Since 2018, other governments have assigned committees of scientists to conduct reviews of the growing body of evidence. From these, a scientific consensus is emerging that vaping is dangerous and not especially useful as a smoking cessation method. While no single authoritative document has brought together these systematic reviews, meta-analyses and report of health authorities, it is now apparent that:

1. E-cigarettes have increased the number of young nicotine users in some countries.
2. Young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke conventional cigarettes.
3. Dual use is common and harmful.
4. When purchased as consumer products, e-cigarettes are not effective cessation aids.
5. E-cigarettes cause damage to respiratory and circulatory systems.
6. Other governments have provided more recent scientific assessments.
7. Health Canada’s messaging on e-cigarettes is out-dated.
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Juul.ca increases minimum age to 21 for all Canadian online sales

On Monday November 22, 2021, Juul Canada increased the minimum age to 21 for all its Canadian online sales on www.juul.ca

This applies even for provinces and territories with a minimum age of 18 or 19.  To date, P.E.I. is the first and only province in Canada to increase the minimum age to 21 for tobacco products and vaping products.

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Health Canada micro-grant funding initiative to support innovative public education projects on the health effects of cannabis or vaping

Health Canada is pleased to announce the launch of a micro-grant funding initiative to support innovative public education projects on the health effects of cannabis or vaping.  Micro-grant funding is a new way for the Government of Canada to fund smaller projects of up to $1,000.

Eligible recipients are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are 16 years and older and not-for-profit organizations. This funding has a streamlined application process and recipients are required to post the results of their projects on social media using our project hashtags, #cannabis or #vaping.

Cannabis Public Education

As part of ongoing cannabis public education and awareness efforts, Health Canada will dedicate $100,000 in fiscal year 2021-2022, towards projects that help raise youth awareness of the health effects of cannabis.

Vaping Public Education

As part of the public education campaign about the consequences of vaping, Health Canada will dedicate $100,000 in fiscal year 2021-2022, towards projects that help raise awareness on the harms and risks of vaping product use among youth.

Application and Assessment

Projects must involve youth and/or young adults in their development and implementation, and  demonstrate a positive impact on their youth target audience and how they have the potential to raise awareness about the health effects of either cannabis or vaping. Applications will be accepted starting immediately, with a deadline of December 6, 2021. Project selection will give consideration to fair geographical and audience distribution.

UPDATE: Extended until December 13, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

We are pleased to launch the final year of this exciting program and we hope that you will consider sharing this with your networks and encouraging your networks to apply for this funding. We all have a role to play in public education on cannabis and vaping.

For additional information and to complete an application for micro-funding, please visit the Substance Use and Addictions Program’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/canadian-drugs-substances-strategy/funding/substance-use-addictions-program/microfunding-cannabis-vaping-education.html

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Webinar: Helping Youth Quit Vaping: Demonstrating OTRU’s New Mobile-friendly Solutions

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 | 12:00pm to 1:15pm EST

Please register for this webinar in advance. You will be sent a Zoom link after you register.

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NEW BRUNSWICK FLAVOURED E-CIGARETTE BAN TO COME INTO FORCE SEPT. 1, 2021

News Release

Health

Ban on flavoured vaping products

30 August 2021

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government aims to curb a rise in teen vaping by banning the sale of all flavoured vaping products, except tobacco flavour, beginning Sept. 1.

Vaping products are currently available in a variety of flavours such as bubble gum, chocolate, cotton candy and mango. Research compiled by Health Canada indicates more than half of the young people surveyed said flavour and smell were their main reasons for trying these products. Effective Sept. 1, only tobacco-flavoured products will be allowed for sale in New Brunswick.

Vaping has been marketed to adults as a safer alternative to cigarettes, however most flavoured products still contain nicotine. Some of these products have nicotine levels equal to or higher than the amount found in cigarettes.

“Vaping is not harmless,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “These products contain harmful chemicals and nicotine.”

The number of young people using vaping products is increasing quickly. According to a survey conducted by the New Brunswick Health Council in 2018-19, 29 per cent of students said they had tried an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, compared with 22 per cent three years previous.

Shephard noted that emerging research shows young people who vape are twice as likely to try smoking and are almost twice as likely to become daily smokers within a year.

“We need to give our teens the best possible start in life,” said Shephard. “We need to create an environment where kids are not constantly being exposed to vaping. And we need to support those young people who are already struggling with addiction by providing the resources they need to quit.”

Counselling services for people who want to quit smoking or vaping are available from Go Smoke-Free NB at 1-866-366-3667.

To report retailers selling flavoured vaping products or selling any vaping products to minors, call 1-866-234-4234.

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Flavoured e-cigarette regulations – e-advocacy website makes it easy to send submission regarding Health Canada consultation

On June 18, Health Canada announced draft federal regulations for consultation to ban flavours in e-cigarettes, with an exception for tobacco, mint and menthol flavours.

The consultation deadline is Thursday Sept. 2.

An e-advocacy website has been set up to facilitate submissions in response to the consultation through an email letter sent to Health Canada.  The letter would also go to the Health Minister and the person’s MP. The website supports strong regulations to be adopted, including removal of the mint and menthol exemption.

The website can be accessed here:

www.protectcanadiankids.ca

www.ProtegezNosAdos.ca

The Protect Canadian Kids Campaign website is supported by Heart & Stroke, Canadian Lung Association, Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada and Canadian Cancer Society.

The June 18, 2021 Health Canada news release announcing the draft regulations can be seen here:

English:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/06/health-canada-announces-new-restrictions-to-prevent-youth-vaping.html

The draft regulations and the accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement can be seen here:

English:

https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2021/2021-06-19/html/reg2-eng.html

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The compliance of Canada’s vaping industry

Last week Health Canada released the results of its inspections of the instagram accounts of Canadian vaping suppliers. Just over half (53%) of the 304 suppliers failed inspection.

The industry fared somewhat better on this test than they did on the previous round of inspections of their retail stores in the summer and fall of 2019. On those occasions, fewer than 1 in 5 specialty vaping stores passed inspection (although the large majority of convenience stores did).

Implications for public health

The Canadian vaping industry was developed as a black market and appears to continues to operate with a level of disregard for the health regulations set by federal and provincial governments.

The three inspection reports made public by Health Canada establish the challenge governments face in setting standards for how these products can be sold.

Our review of the websites managed by the industry’s leaders provides additional evidence that the vaping industry’s failure to comply with health regulations is not likely because these rules are not understood, but more likely because they are not respected.

In 2019, Health Canada wrote vaping and retail organizations to emphasize that “this level of non-compliance is unacceptable.” To date, however, the department appears to have largely focused on sending warning letters, not imposing fines for non-compliance. Parliament set significant penalties for breaking the law (up to $500,000), but a penalty can only result from the federal government taking offenders to court.

Public health authorities currently cannot rely on vaping product suppliers to comply with health regulations. Increased enforcement activities are justified, as is consideration of alternative methods to manage this market.

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Health Canada announces new restrictions to prevent youth vaping

The proposal would restrict the flavour options in vaping products in Canada to tobacco and mint/menthol. This will help make vaping less attractive to youth, while giving alternatives to adults who smoke and wish to transition, or have already transitioned to vaping. The consultation will be open for 75 days, open from June 18 to September 2, 2021. A proposal to restrict flavours in inhaled cannabis extracts has also been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I and will be open for 75 days for input.

Health Canada is also announcing that the Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations will be published in the next edition of the Canada Gazette, Part II. These regulations set a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL in vaping products to make them less appealing to youth. The regulations also prohibit the packaging and sale of vaping products if the nicotine concentration of the products exceeds this limit. Manufacturers must adhere to this limit by July 8, 2021; retailers may not sell products that exceed this limit after July 23, 2021.

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World No Tobacco Day 2021

31 May is World No Tobacco Day

This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for 7 April 1988 to be a “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May.

“Commit to quit”

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. Commit to quit today and sign the pledge.

More than 100 reasons to quit tobacco

Tobacco causes 8 million deaths every year. When evidence was released this year that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19 compared to non-smokers, it triggered millions of smokers to want to quit tobacco. Quitting can be challenging, especially with the added social and economic stress that have come as a result of the pandemic, but there are a lot of reasons to quit.

The benefits of quitting tobacco are almost immediate. After just 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and lung function increases. Within 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Within 5-15 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Within 10 years, your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker. Within 15 years, your risk of heart disease is that of a non-smoker. If that’s not enough here are a few more reasons!

Canadian Cancer Society calls for immediate action from New Brunswick government on youth vaping as new polling results released

The Canadian Cancer Society is calling on all political parties to immediately adopt legislation to target youth vaping and protect youth from becoming addicted to nicotine. This call comes from growing concerns about the rapid increase in youth vaping as reflected in the 2020-21 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Survey of New Brunswick, a survey of youth aged 16-24. The lead author of the Canada-wide survey is Dr. Mohammed Al-Hamdani of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. The survey was conducted to better understand vaping behaviour, experiences, and product preferences of regular e-cigarette users among New Brunswick’s youth.

The survey results among New Brunswick youth indicate that 92% of participants currently prefer using flavoured vape juices, and 90% began vaping using a flavoured vape juice. Of New Brunswick youth participants who prefer flavoured vape juices, 48% reported they would not continue to vape if they could not purchase flavoured juices. Of those surveyed, 88.4% reported currently using vape juice containing nicotine and 61.1% of participants that consumed nicotine products used the highest permitted nicotine concentration (50-60 mg/mL). Survey results indicated 22.5% of participants reported purchasing their vaping device from a friend and 89.1% of participants reported offering their e-cigarette to someone else to use.

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2020-2021 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Project report released

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background: E-cigarette use (“vaping”) has been on the rise. The 2020-2021 Youth and Young Adult Vaping Project, conducted by The Lung Association of Nova Scotia and Smoke-Free Nova Scotia with funding from Heart & Stroke, aimed to examine the vaping behaviours, experiences, and product preferences of youth and young adult e-cigarette users in Canada.

Methods: Using an online survey, 3034 regular e-cigarette users (used a vaping product at least once a week for the past three months) between the ages of 16 and 24 and residing in one of ten Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan) were asked about their vaping behaviours (e.g., days vaped per week, number of vaping episodes per day, and number of puffs per vaping episode), experiences (e.g., co-use of other substances), and product preferences (e.g., nicotine concentration). This report details responses across the entire sample and further segments findings by age, gender, and region.

Results: The sample analyzed consisted of 3009 respondents. On average, respondents began vaping at the age of 15.79 years. More than half (53.1%) of respondents reported having tried to quit vaping, with many making several attempts. The average e-cigarette user engaged in vaping behaviour six days per week and had 30 vaping episodes per day, with approximately six puffs per episode. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents reported vaping less days per week (five days) and a marked decrease to 23 vaping episodes per day but puffs per episode were nearly unchanged. On average, respondents spent between $13 and $22 per week on ecigarettes. The overwhelming majority of respondents indicated that they have both used someone else’s e-cigarette (97.8%) and shared their e-cigarette with others (92.2%). For those that have shared their e-cigarette, the average number of people the e-cigarette was shared with was 20. Around half (50.6%) of all respondents had experienced a negative health effect related to vaping. The majority of respondents reported exposure to vaping-related advertisements on social media platforms (70.5%). Users of pod-based devices constituted the largest proportion of respondents (64.9%). Almost all users used a flavoured vape juice at initiation (91.9%) and presently (90.3%). In most provinces, berry, mango, and mint/menthol were the most commonly reported flavours used at initiation and at present. Most users used vape juice containing the highest possible concentrations of nicotine (50-60 mg/mL)1 (64.3%). With respect to tobacco use, 64.1% of respondents were former users and 11.8% were current users. Current smokers used 17 cigarettes per week on average. A notable proportion of respondents (36.4%) indicated that they knew someone who started smoking tobacco after vaping. In the past 30 days, cannabis use (17 days of use) was more common than alcohol use (7 days of use).

Conclusions: This is the first research sample to include all Canadian provinces. Analysis of the total sample reveals concerning vaping behaviours among youth and young adults. Regular ecigarette users report similar vaping behaviour and experiences across regions, though a number of notable differences at the individual- and regional-level emerged from our findings. In this report, we discuss our findings in the context of viable policy options to limit the appeal and restrict the use of e-cigarettes among youth and young adults across Canada. These include a comprehensive flavour ban, limiting permitted nicotine concentrations to 20 mg/mL, increasing taxation on vaping products, and increasing the minimum age of purchase to 21.

1 For those specifying the exact range of nicotine concentration used in their device

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Vitalité Health Network’s New Vaping Modules

The Vitalité Health Network has recently updated their website with a series of vaping modules designed for educators. The resource consists of a teacher’s guide and interactive power points.  These are available in several formats.

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2021 NB Stroke Conference Across the Continuum and Beyond

SAVE THE DATE

When: Thursday, May 27, 2021
Where: Virtual (More info to come)

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick is pleased to be hosting the 7th annual New Brunswick Stroke Conference in collaboration with Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network.  This exciting virtual event will bring together a leading group of stroke experts from across Canada to share
their knowledge and experience in best practices in stroke care across the continuum and beyond.
Sessions will be offered in both official languages.

Cohosted by:

Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network

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Youth vaping prevention campaign updates

We’d like to share some exciting updates to our youth vaping prevention campaign!

This year’s advertising campaign runs from February 22 until March 21 2021 and features 10 second cuts of our existing video advertisement that drive to new content:

  1. Advertisements on Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and Native Touch invite teens to visit our redesigned campaign page at canada.ca/vaping-info, featuring:
  • testimonials from teens;
  • new content on peer pressure;
  • new 10 second videos and
  • a FAQ page with answers to teens’ questions
  1. Advertisements on Facebook and through search engine marketing, invite parents of teens to learn more at the new page: Preventing kids and teens from vaping.

How you can help

Check-out the collection of youth vaping prevention resources, including our new 10 second videos. Please feel free to utilize and share these resources to expand the reach of the campaign in your jurisdiction.

A virtual tour update

  • The Consider the consequences of vaping tour continues to host virtual sessions for high school students across Canada.
  • Students learn the latest on the harms and risks associated with teen vaping, while completing interactive activities. Anonymous questions that are collected are then answered by Health Canada and shared through the school.
  • Fall 2020: Hosted 54 virtual sessions.
  • Winter projection: 224 virtual sessions.
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For Many Young People, 2021 is the Year to Cancel Vaping

Reversing a toxic cultural trend

Vaping used to be seen as cool. But times have changed. As influencer Victoria Annunziato says, “Like many others, I started using e-cigarettes when I was young. I had no idea what nicotine was or how addictive it could be. I want to use my platform and work with truth to start a conversation about my own experience, so others can avoid the traps that got me hooked or quit with me if they are already vaping. I’m hopeful that my journey will inspire others and spread awareness.”

More Information
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Health Canada proposes to lower the nicotine concentration limit in vaping products

The Government of Canada remains concerned by the rise in youth vaping and is acting to address it. After confirming its intentions to lower the nicotine concentration in vaping products, today the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced a public consultation on a proposal to better protect Canadians.

As part of efforts to reduce the appeal of vaping products, Health Canada is proposing to lower the nicotine concentration to a maximum of 20 mg/mL and prohibit the packaging and sale of a vaping product if the nicotine concentration displayed on the package exceeds this new limit. The current limit is 66mg/mL.

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Nfld and Lab Bill 48 for e-cigarette tax adopted, to come into effect Jan. 1, 2021

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Bill 48, An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act No. 4, received third reading on Nov. 2, 2020 and Royal Assent on Nov. 5, 2020.  This bill implements the provincial e-cigarette tax (20% of retail price) and will come into force Jan. 1, 2021.  The bill can be seen here:

More Information
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Heart and Stroke launches campaign urging federal action on youth vaping

Heart and Stroke has launched an e-advocacy campaign urging federal action on youth vaping, including on flavoured e-cigarettes.  This campaign had initially been launched in early March and was up for a week before COVID dominated public discussion.

The Heart and Stroke campaign website includes an opportunity for individual Canadians to send a letter by email to federal representatives, including their Member of Parliament and the Minister of Health.

More Information
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New longitudinal studies find little support for e-cigarettes as an effective tool for population-level smoking cessation

So far, the Canadian evidence, like that in the USA, does not support the conclusion that vaping is an effective population-based smoking cessation method.

For More Information
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Prince Edward Island bans flavoured e-cigarettes – effective March 1, 2021

Prince Edward Island becomes the second Canadian province to formalize a comprehensive ban on flavoured vaping products. The ban will come into effect at the beginning of next March, after which only tobacco-flavoured e-cigarettes will be legal for sale.

The decision is reflected in the Order in Council EC2020-489 signed on August 11, 2020:

1. Section 1.1 of the Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Device Sales and Access Act Regulations (EC538/15) is revoked and the following substituted: 1.1 For the purpose of section 3.1 of the Act, an agent added to tobacco or an electronic smoking device to produce an aroma or taste other than the aroma or taste of tobacco, including the aroma or taste of candy, chocolate, fruit, a spice, an herb, an alcoholic beverage, vanilla or menthol, is a prescribed flavouring agent.

2. These regulations come into force on March 1, 2021.

This year, Prince Edward Island has been a pioneer of tobacco control reforms. In March, it implemented Canada’s first “AGE 21” measures for vaping and tobacco, and also moved vaping products out of general retailers. Since March, e-cigarettes can only be sold in specialty shops in PEI.

Only one other province (Nova Scotia) has banned flavourd e-cigarettes to-date. Two others (British Columbia and Ontario) have limited sales of flavoured products to specialty stores.

Updated fact sheets:

▪ At-a-glance: Provincial restrictions on vaping products
▪ Vaping regulation timeline
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New Federal Regulations on E-cigarette Advertising

The Government of Canada is taking a number of steps to address the rise in youth vaping. Among these measures, the final Vaping Products Promotion Regulations (VPPR) were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II , July 8, 2020. These new regulations will restrict vaping product promotions aimed at youth to address a key factor that has contributed to the rise in youth vaping.

Please see the Minister of Health’s announcement related to the new regulations at the following link https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/07/health-canada-confirms-ban-of-advertising-for-vaping-products-wherever-they-can-be-seen-or-heard-by-youth.html

The VPPR will:

  • prohibit vaping products from being advertised in public spaces if the ads can be seen or heard by youth, whether in brick and mortar stores or online, including on radio and television;
  • prohibit retailers from displaying vaping products at points of sale in a manner that they may be seen by youth, including online; and
  • require that permitted ads (e.g., displayed where youth are not permitted) convey a prescribed health warning statement about the hazards of vaping product use.

The final regulations as well as the associated Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II today, July 8, 2020, and can be found at the following link: http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2020/2020-07-08/html/sor-dors143-eng.html

The regulations come into force 30 days after publication on August 7, 2020, with the exception of the point-of-sale display prohibition, which will come into force 60 days after publication on September 6, 2020.  The List of Health Warnings for Vaping Product Advertising can be found here: https://canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping/product-safety-regulation/list-health-warnings-vaping-product-advertising.html

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Nova Scotia provincial licensing of e-cigarette retailers in force July 1

On June 23, 2020, Nova Scotia Regulation 91/2020 was adopted, amending the Revenue Act Regulations.  These regulations are related to the provincial licensing of e-cigarette retailers and wholesalers, which came into force July 1, 2020.  The government is targeting August 1, 2020 for full implementation in advance of the Nova Scotia e-cigarette tax coming into effect Sept. 15, 2020.  There will be a three-year licence fee of $124.60 for e-cigarette retailers.

Below is a Nova Scotia government news release.

More Information
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Nova Scotia becomes first province to adopt maximum nicotine level of 20 mg/ml

On May 5, 2020, Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to adopt a maximum nicotine level of 20 mg/ml for e-cigarettes and e-liquids.  The Nova Scotia regulation comes into force Sept. 1, 2020.

The maximum nicotine level of 20 mg/ml is the same standard that has been in place in the 28-country European Union (EU) for a number of years.

Some tobacco companies are selling in Canada e-cigarette brands with nicotine levels almost triple this maximum level.

This regulatory amendment, N.S. Reg. 75/2020, was published in Nova Scotia’s Royal Gazette Part II on May 22, 2020 and can be seen on p.244:

More Information

The Tobacco Access Regulations can be seen here (the amendments take effect Sept 1, 2020):

More Information
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Smokers and Vapers May Be at Greater Risk for Covid-19

Tobacco and marijuana products damage lungs, where the virus does its harm. Health officials are urging people to quit, and temporary sales bans in the United States are even being discussed.

More Information
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WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY-May 31, 2020- Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use

Every year, on May 31st, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, while discouraging the use of tobacco in any form.

The focus of World No Tobacco Day 2020 is on “protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use.”

The World No Tobacco Day 2020 global campaign will serve to:

  • Debunk myths and expose manipulation tactics employed by the tobacco and related industries, particularly marketing tactics targeted at youth, including through the introduction of new and novel products, flavours and other attractive features;
  • Equip young people with knowledge about the tobacco and related industries’ intentions and tactics to hook current and future generations on tobacco and nicotine products; and
  • Empower influencers (in pop culture, on social media, in the home, or in the classroom) to protect and defend youth and catalyze change by engaging them in the fight against Big Tobacco.
READ NEWS RELEASE
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COVID, youth, and substance use: Critical messages for youth and families

The Canadian Pediatric Society has published a new article that encourages pediatricians and other health professionals who work with youth and families to communicate the message that smoking and vaping may increase their risk of acquiring the COVID-19 infection.

More Information
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WHO Announces Smoking Can Increase Your Chances of Getting Covid-19

Using tobacco products can increase your chance of getting COVID-19. Bringing your hands to your mouth can transfer the virus into your body. Sharing tobacco products can transmit the virus between people. Tobacco weakens your respiratory system making you more vulnerable to the  coronavirus.

See Infographic
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New legislation for PEI now in effect

In PEI, new legislation establishing age 21 for tobacco and e-cigarettes, and requiring e-cigarette sales to be in specialty stores only, came into effect March 1, 2020.

PEI becomes the first province to establish age 21, and the first to require that e-cigarettes be sold in specialty stores only.  The minimum age 21 provision will not apply to anyone who was 19 as of March 1, 2020.

More Information
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Health Canada’s Departmental Plan for 2020-21

Health Canada will advance implementation of Canada’s Tobacco Strategy, a modernized approach for successful tobacco control with the goal of achieving the target of less than 5% tobacco use by 2035.

More Information
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Stop Youth Vaping – Heart & Stroke Foundation – 2020

Campaign and an e-advocacy site urging action on youth vaping.

Website
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Public Health of Vitalité Health Network Takes Action on Vaping – New Awareness Campaign!

Public Health of Vitalité Health Network launched a vaping awareness campaign in February 2020 to encourage parents to talk to their children about all the risks associated with this popular practice. The campaign has a brochure for parents, as well as videos and infographics.

NEWS RELEASE
WEBSITE: BROCHURE, VIDEOS AND INFOGRAPHICS

Canadian Cancer Society Calls for Immediate Government Action Against Youth Vaping in New Video

The Canadian Cancer Society has released a video  with a clear message: governments need to do more to address youth vaping and increasing the minimum age to 21 is a strong start. “Vaping rates in this province are reaching epidemic levels. We need government to take strong immediate action by passing a suite of comprehensive measures designed to reduce vaping rates amongst youth,” says Kelly Cull, Regional Director of Public Policy.

March 10 marks the opening of the Third Session of the 59th Legislative Assembly in New Brunswick. Government has an opportunity to highlight the ongoing tobacco epidemic and create effective policies and programs that will promote healthier lifestyles and protect the next generation of Canadians.

READ NEWS RELEASE
VIEW VIDEO

Vaping Education Toolkit – Canadian Lung Association – 2020

Excellent public education information & resources from the Canadian Lung Association.

Topics include:

  • Vaping – What you need to know
  • Smoking, vaping to quit and quiting vaping
  • Vaping & youth
  • Vaping resources
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Flavoured Vapes Hooks Kids Campaign – Lung Association and Heart & Stroke Foundation – 2020

The Canadian Lung Association and Heart & Stroke created a uniquely flavoured ice cream to warn parents about the dangers of vaping.

In its latest awareness campaign, “Flavoured Vapes Hook Kids,” an ice cream truck peddles nicotine-flavoured dessert near Toronto’s Rogers Centre and captures the outraged reactions.

The two health charities warn that while some adults may use vape products to quit smoking, the addition of attractive, discreetly packaged “yummy” flavours have made it appealing to youth, as well as easy to hide from authority figures.

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Vape-Free Schools Campaign – Anglophone South School District (New Brunswick) – 2019

Developed by the Anglophone South School District, this kit includes:

  • Letter to High School Parents
  • Communications Kit
  • Vaping Mini-Lessons (Powerpoint)

Contact Joyce Walker Haley – Healthy Learner Nurse, Anglophone School Disctict, for more information or to obtain a copy (joyce.walker-haley@gnb.ca).

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The Tobacco Prevention Toolkit – Stanford Medecine (USA) – 2020

Theory-based and evidence-informed resources created by educators, parents, and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of tobacco and nicotine. Includes a modul on e-cigarettes, vapes and pod-based devices.

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Protecting Youth from the Vaping Crisis – Heart & Stroke Foundation – 2020

Position paper with public health information produced by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

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Horizon Physician Seeing Lung Illness in Patients Due to Vapes – Statement by Dr. Joseph Ojah (2020)

By Dr. Joseph Ojah, Thoracic Surgeon, Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital

Vaping may be a useful tool in a harm-reduction model of smoking cessation in adults. But the serious consequences from the major uptake of vaping in previously healthy, non-smoking youth, are becoming much more broadly known in the media.

The long-term physical and structural damaging effects on fragile lung tissue are not yet fully understood since vaping is a relatively recent “trend”.

Vaping includes the inhalation of aerosolized chemicals, ultra-fine particles, volatile compounds, heavy metals and other harmful materials, including highly addictive nicotine, which all have serious detrimental effects.

This has produced the alarming reports throughout the United States and Canada of increasing numbers of vape users requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation over the past year.

As a thoracic surgeon, even I am starting to see some related lung illness (inflammation and tissue destruction) in my patients.

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Lung Cancer Education (Including Risks Related to Vaping) – Toolkit for Teachers – Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec – 2019 (ONLY IN FRENCH)

Free educational kit for teachers, aimed at students aged 12 to 17. It was designed to educate young people about the importance of preventing lung cancer. Different questions related to the lung, lung cancer and its main risk factor, tobacco cigarettes, are discussed. In addition, given the craze, but also the multiple respiratory problems recently reported in connection with vaping, it seemed important to make an update on this subject.

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Brochure – Vaping – Know the Risks – NB Lung Association – 2019

Public information brochure developed by the New Brunswick Lung Association. Very useful for parents to share with their children/teens and for teachers to share with their students.

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Digital Influencers – Consider the Consequences of Vaping – 2019

Influencers targeting teens use YouTube and Instagram to engage their followers on the topic of preventing vaping:

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Video: “Consider the Consequences of Vaping” – Health Canada – 2019

Even though vaping is less harmful than smoking, there are still consequences for you to consider. Vaping can expose you to chemicals that could harm your health. This video is aimed at youth and is part of Health Canada’s Consider the Consequences of Vaping education campaign.

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Talking With Your Teen About Vaping: A Tip Sheet for Parents – Health Canada – 2019

Useful public health information about vaping and tips on how to talk to teens about it.

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Consider the Consequences of Vaping – Health Canada – 2019

Campaign aimed at youth to tackle increasing vaping rates among this demographic. Many useful tools are available for parents and educators to talk to teens about vaping.

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Vaping – The Mechanics – Health Canada – 2018

Describes how vaping devices work and the chemicals used for vaping devices.

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Smoke Is Smoke! – Smoke and Vape Free NB – 2019

Sheds light on the dangers of second-hand smoke from tobacco as well as cannabis. This fact sheet also addresses vaping and reminds people to respect smoke-free environments in New Brunswick, which prohibit smoking and vaping. We all win when we can live, work and play in 100% smoke-free environments!

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Micro-Grants for Cannabis or Vaping Public Education – Health Canada

Micro-grants are offered up to $1,000 to support public education about the health effects of cannabis and/or the risks of vaping.

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