The Canadian government has implemented a new 12% tax on vaping products, effective July 2024, as part of its strategy to curb youth vaping and reduce tobacco consumption overall. This measure aims to make vaping less affordable, thereby deterring purchase and use, especially among the youth who are particularly sensitive to price changes.
Concerns Over Potential Unintended Consequences
However, experts in tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation are raising concerns that the tax could inadvertently push consumers towards the black market, where products are unregulated and potentially more hazardous. A balanced approach is advocated, one that addresses youth vaping without unfairly penalizing adult smokers who use vaping as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes.
International Criticism and Recommendations
International health experts, including those from Smoke Free Sweden, have criticized the Canadian approach, pointing out that it contradicts the successful Swedish model. Sweden has reduced its smoking rates significantly, largely due to making less harmful products like snus and vapes more accessible and affordable through risk-proportionate taxation. In contrast, Canada’s smoking rate remains relatively high at 12%.
Dr. Delon Human of Smoke Free Sweden has urged Canadian authorities to consider the Swedish approach, which prioritizes accessibility and affordability of safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes.
Upcoming Flavour Ban
Additionally, Canada is revisiting the idea of implementing a flavour ban on vaping products, first introduced in June 2021 but never enforced. Health Minister Mark Holland is championing the ban, which would limit manufacturers to fewer than 100 specific flavour ingredients and restrict available flavours to tobacco, mint, and menthol. This move is intended to prevent a new generation of young people from becoming addicted to nicotine through flavoured vaping products.
Industry Response
The Vaping Industry Trade Association (VITA) has expressed concerns that the flavour ban could harm adult ex-smokers who rely on flavoured vapes as a safer alternative. VITA’s Managing Director, Thomas Kirsop, views the ban as a politically motivated move by Holland, supported by major health organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Canadian Lung Association.
Public Opinion on Tobacco Control
A recent poll by Research Co. indicates that a significant majority of Canadians support a generational tobacco ban similar to one proposed in the United Kingdom. This measure would incrementally increase the legal age to purchase cigarettes, ultimately prohibiting sales to anyone born in or after 2009. Additionally, Canada has taken steps to mandate warning labels on individual cigarettes, a move that has broad public support.
These measures reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to combat smoking and vaping among youths, while balancing the needs of adult smokers seeking less harmful alternatives.
