Nova Scotia (and soon other provinces) Call to Action

[vexxis]

Although this is happening in Nova Scotia, if you live in another province you should still take notice as the insanity is likely to spread.
Contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly and/or the Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

Amendments to Tobacco Legislation Introduced

Health and Wellness

October 24, 2014 9:38 AM

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Government introduced amendments today, Oct. 24, to regulate e-cigarettes, waterpipes and flavoured tobacco under the province's tobacco legislation.

"The health and safety of Nova Scotians, especially our youth, is this government's number one priority," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "We've worked hard to shift from a smoking culture toward a smoke-free culture in Nova Scotia. We do not want to lose ground."

There is emerging evidence of health risks from using e-cigarettes, especially for young people. Research shows the health risks from using waterpipes are similar to using other types of tobacco. E-cigarettes, waterpipes and flavoured tobacco are all increasing in popularity among young Canadians, and encouraging them to try other tobacco products.

"The Nova Scotia government deserves praise for strong legislation to address e-cigarettes, waterpipe and flavoured tobacco," said Kelly Cull, manager of government relations with the Canadian Cancer Society Nova Scotia Division. "These measures will position Nova Scotia as having some of the most progressive tobacco legislation in Canada."

The amendments will change the definition of smoke in the Smoke-free Places Act to address second-hand smoke from waterpipes and vapour from e-cigarettes, prohibiting their use in indoor public places.

The definition of tobacco will be changed in the Tobacco Access Act to treat e-cigarettes like tobacco cigarettes. This change will restrict vendors from selling e-cigarettes to those younger than 19, and from displaying, advertising or promoting e-cigarettes.

The sale of flavoured tobacco will be banned under the Tobacco Access Act, including the flavoured juice often used in e-cigarettes. A regulation under the act will exempt menthol tobacco.

Regulatory officers will be able to issue summary offence tickets to those selling e-cigarettes or tobacco to a minor.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Government introduced amendments today (October 24th) to regulate e-cigarettes, waterpipes, and flavoured tobacco under the province's tobacco legislation.
The changes mean that using e-cigarettes and waterpipes will be prohibited in indoor public places.
E-cigarettes must be treated like regular cigarettes in retail settings, and it will be illegal to sell them to minors.
The sale of flavoured tobacco will be banned, including the flavoured juice often used in e-cigarettes. A regulation under the act will exempt menthol tobacco.
Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine says the health and safety of Nova Scotians is the number one priority.
He says the province has worked hard to shift from a smoking culture toward a smoke-free culture one and does not want to lose ground.

 

[vexxis]

The Government of Nova Scotia knows exactly what they are doing; this is one of the best cases of spin doctoring I have ever seen. Hon. Leo Galvine had Kelly Cull from the Canadian Cancer Society, Krista McMullan from Smoke Free Nova Scotia, and Dr. King Holmes, who is a professor and chair of Global Health at the University of Washington School of Public Health and a world-renowned expert in AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases present when he introduced the bill to get a big round of applause. This is all about taxes, the strange exemption for menthol flavored tobacco proves that.

 

[Ryedan]

This is all about taxes, the strange exemption for menthol flavored tobacco proves that.

I believe menthol is typically the one tobacco flavoring that is exempted when a flavor ban goes into effect. I suspect it's because there is such a long history of its use in tobacco products.

 

[VaEHp]

https://www.change.org/p/nova-scotia-legislature-amend-bill-60-prevent-the-ban-on-flavored-e-liquid

All Canadian Vapers need to Sign this Petition, please spread the word !

 

[amoca]

and...they passed second reading unanimously, on it's way to becoming law without ANY disagreement amongst parties, and we are stifled! I'm literally sick to my stomach--I cannot for the life of me understand why they see vaping as a bad thing! Except it takes millions away from their tax coffers, because we aren't spend hundreds of dollars a month on cigarettes. It would be smarter to regulate it, but banning flavours is brilliant- no need to ban ecigs- who will use flavourless juice?

 

[Towmotor]

As I understand it, 49 people spoke on this subject at hearings yesterday and it was decided today to shelve this legislation in favor of additional study by the health dept. A small and likely temporary victory but an important one none the less. Good work all who signed the petition and also those who took the time to appear in person.

In a related note the Premier of Ontario today re-iterated that her government has no immediate plans to regulate ecigs or liquids in this province.

 

[Rocky the pet rock]

Some of those who appeared before the committee said e-cigarettes helped them quit smoking.
“What we are doing is listening to the people,” said Margaret Miller, a Liberal member of the law amendments committee.

From metronews.ca ^^ although I'm sure it's not settled, the full story is here >> Province backs down on some measures in e cigarette legislation, critics call it ‘knee-jerk reaction’ | Metro
I wish I could have made it in person but I had work. Also.. It's pretty annoying how the anti tobacco people are clumping ejuice in with tobacco products... ;/