FEATURE
WHAT ARE THEY THINKING !
Calls for Canadian government to drop the public health ‘ double standard ’ and create policies that are fit for purpose .
Words : Jordan Millar
Advocates are ‘ astounded ’ with Canadian policymakers for considering a federal flavour ban … but completely ignoring potentially ‘ life-destroying ’ alcohol . Critics have called the ‘ staggering doublestandard ’ an exercise in ‘ hypocrisy ’, questioning why health officials continue to ignore the evidence . They warned that the goal of public health policy shouldn ’ t be to ‘ prevent anyone from enjoying flavours ’, but to ensure products are used responsibility . The Canadian Vaping Association said : “ As the vaping industry battles to keep flavours for adults , the alcohol sector operates freely and advertises broadly . “ There are countless variations of flavours that line the government-run stores , including watermelon , cucumber and lime , and berry blast vodka . “ The staggering double standard that exists for alcoholic beverages is absurd when compared side by side .” The consumer group stressed that flavours play a significant role in helping smokers quit , saying that it ’ s ‘ human nature ’ to enjoy what you consume . It also commended countries that have ‘ embraced vaping ’ and followed the science instead of villainising the reduced risk product . A CVA spokesperson said : “ Through the harm caused by combustible tobacco , nicotine has been miscast as harmful and carcinogenic . “ It is because of the significantly reduced chemicals and lack of combustion that the UK maintains that vaping ’ s risk does not exceed five percent of tobacco ’ s .” Darryl Tempest , Executive Director of the CVA , added : “ Canada has seen , through Nova Scotia ’ s flavour ban , that reducing the appeal of vaping products to smokers results in increased smoking and the destruction of small businesses . “ The proposed regulations are not fit for purpose … Canadians don ’ t want regulation that causes increased smoking rates and fewer jobs .”
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“ As the vaping industry battles to keep flavours for adults , the alcohol sector operates freely and advertises broadly
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