Introduction: Vancouver, Canada has introduced a new policy treating e-cigarettes the same as conventional cigarettes. It is reported that some municipalities in British Columbia are also considering regulating e-cigarettes or flavored tobacco products, a
Editor’s note: Vancouver, Canada has reportedly introduced a new policy that seeks to treat e-cigarettes and cigarettes the same way. Some municipalities in British Columbia are also considering regulating e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, meaning users may soon be unable to vape in public places.
According to China e-cigarette news sources, Canada’s regulations on e-cigarette products have been relatively limited aside from prohibiting the addition of nicotine. However, some municipalities in British Columbia are now considering regulating e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, and users may soon be barred from using e-cigarettes in public places.
Vancouver City Councillor Geoff Meggs said the Vancouver City Council is carefully considering recommending to the coastal health authority that e-cigarette use be restricted under the same rules as conventional cigarettes. This would mean that in the future, e-cigarettes could no longer be used in public places such as parks and beaches. City staff are expected to submit a report in the fall.
Fraser Health also said that municipalities including Burnaby and Hope have shown a willingness to regulate e-cigarettes. The health authority will work with these municipalities to further strengthen regulations on e-cigarettes.
Earlier, the provincial New Democratic Party called on the provincial government to regulate products such as flavored tobacco that could make it easier for young people to come into contact with cigarettes. Premier Christy Clark also instructed the provincial health department to work with the federal government on regulating e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, or to introduce legislation directly.
However, vape shop owner Jason Lou opposed the move, arguing that regulating e-cigarettes would hurt the industry and rejecting the idea that e-cigarettes should be equated with traditional tobacco products. He said e-cigarettes are an alternative for people trying to quit smoking, and that most users also follow the rules—no one is taking huge puffs in crowds or inside restaurants. Users are responsible for their own behavior and respectful of others.
