NEWS
IS CANADA ABOUT TO SQUANDER ‘ THE GREATEST HARM REDUCTION OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME ?’
Fury as Health Canada ignores the evidence in support of vaping and proposes a controversial , nationwide flavour ban .
Words : Jordan Millar
Health Canada has ignored the pleas of 90,000 vapers and pushed forward with its proposed “ killer ” federal flavour ban . The move has sparked fury , with critics calling this the latest blow for harm reduction and accusing the body of constantly disregarding the evidence . Astonishingly , despite the obvious health implications , policymakers acknowledged that a wide-reaching flavour ban could drive up smoking rates but still want to press on . David Sweanor of the University of Ottawa said : “ The statement is very direct … it ’ s basically saying , ‘ we ’ re Health Canada and we ’ re going to do something that kills Canadians ’.” Matt Culley of the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association ( CASAA ) stressed that the proposal shows just how ‘ demonised vaping remains .’ He said : “ The fact that a government can brazenly admit their policy will lead to
“
The fact that a government can brazenly admit their policy will lead to more smoking and death is wild .
“ more smoking and death is wild .” If passed , the bill would ban the sale and promotion of e-liquids – excluding
tobacco , mint and menthol - leaving
many of Canada ’ s vapers without the tools they need to quit . Officials say the ban will curb youth vaping , while critics insist that flavours are vital to help smokers quit and banning them would have ‘ disastrous outcomes .’ The Canadian Vaping Association said it was disappointed that Health Canada chose to pursue such harmful regulations , instead of ‘ supporting the greatest harm reduction opportunity of our lifetime .’ It said : “ If the flavour ban is implemented , hundreds of thousands of smokers may be pushed back to smoking or the black market … and many will die . “ To date , more than 90,000 Canadians have notified their Member of Parliament and Health Canada of the harm flavour bans would inflict on themselves or their families . “ It is evident that there is little sympathy for smokers , as the lives and health of adult smokers have been disregarded .”
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