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Ottawa moves to restrict vaping advertisements to prevent youth exposure

Dec 19, 2019 | 2:21 PM

OTTAWA — Health Canada is proposing to ban advertising of vaping products in spaces where young people can see them in a bid to rein in the rise of underage e-cigarette use.

Minister Patty Hajdu put forward new rules Thursday that would prohibit vaping promotion in specialty shops, businesses and online platforms frequented by youth.

Hajdu also announced requirements that vaping packages feature health warnings and be child-resistant.

She says the government also plans to place limits on nicotine content in vaping liquids to reduce the risk of poisoning if accidentally consumed by a child.

Ottawa has been holding consultations this year on measures to restrict advertising for e-cigarettes in the face of growing evidence that vaping has taken off among teens.

According to the 2018-2019 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey, rates of e-cigarette use among high school students have doubled since 2016-2017.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2019.

The Canadian Press