Here's the text of what I sent to every MLA in the British Columbia Legislature after I found out that they had introduced a bill to add "vapour products" to the tobacco Control Act. (Even though it just "killed me" to refer to them as "Honourable Members"). It may not do any good but I am encouraged by the fact that it was supposed to go straight through to Third and final reading directly and it has now been seventeen days on the order paper as "in Committee" (very few bills take that long to "progress"). Just so you know, some of the current restrictions on tobacco products in BC are: No advertising, Products cannot be visible (stored behind closed cabinet doors), cannot be used in any buildings (including private businesses) or within 3 metres (10 feet) of any doors or windows. The perimeter ban will be extended to 7 metres come April 1st.
I really hope they are taking the time to read Clive's policy summary. I'll keep you posted.
Subject: Do Not Pass Bill 14 - Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2015
E-cigarettes, vaping and public health: A summary for policy-makers
Honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia,
Vaping has nothing to do with tobacco and should not be regulated under a tobacco statute. I was appalled by the misinformation about vaping, advanced personal vapourizers and e-cigarettes that was promulgated during the debate of this Bill. There is no legitimate basis for placing the same restrictions on vaping as currently exist on smoking. I strongly urge you to read the attached briefing to ensure that you have factual, unbiased, scientific and evidence based information about this issue.
I write to you as a private citizen. I have no connection to any business that produces vaping equipment or e-liquid, other than as a satisfied customer who accidentally quit smoking almost two years ago when I tried vaping. A forty year, two pack a day smoking habit disappeared, painlessly, after just three days of vaping.
As elected representatives, I hold you to the highest duty of care to ensure that legislation is reasonable, just, and does not unnecessarily impinge on the rights of informed individuals. Please do not allow Bill 14 to go to third reading.
I really hope they are taking the time to read Clive's policy summary. I'll keep you posted.
Subject: Do Not Pass Bill 14 - Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2015
E-cigarettes, vaping and public health: A summary for policy-makers
Honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia,
Vaping has nothing to do with tobacco and should not be regulated under a tobacco statute. I was appalled by the misinformation about vaping, advanced personal vapourizers and e-cigarettes that was promulgated during the debate of this Bill. There is no legitimate basis for placing the same restrictions on vaping as currently exist on smoking. I strongly urge you to read the attached briefing to ensure that you have factual, unbiased, scientific and evidence based information about this issue.
I write to you as a private citizen. I have no connection to any business that produces vaping equipment or e-liquid, other than as a satisfied customer who accidentally quit smoking almost two years ago when I tried vaping. A forty year, two pack a day smoking habit disappeared, painlessly, after just three days of vaping.
As elected representatives, I hold you to the highest duty of care to ensure that legislation is reasonable, just, and does not unnecessarily impinge on the rights of informed individuals. Please do not allow Bill 14 to go to third reading.
