After a Two-Year Delay to a Nationwide Ban, Quebec Officially Prohibits Flavored Vaping Products

This week, Quebec became the latest province to restrict flavored e-cigarettes, a move that has renewed attention on the progress of efforts to implement a nationwide flavor ban. In fact, as early as June 2021, the Canadian federal government proposed regulations to ban flavored e-cigarettes, but two years later, the final rules have still not been issued. Some even believe the plan has been shelved.

In the absence of federal legislation, Canada’s e-cigarette flavor bans have largely taken the form of local regulations. In addition to Quebec, several other provinces and territories, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Northwest Territories, have also imposed restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes. However, groups advocating for flavor bans argue that only a nationwide ban can ensure consistent regulation of flavored e-cigarettes across the country.
In response, the relevant agency declined interview requests from local media and said in an emailed statement that it is “reviewing the complex regulatory issues surrounding flavored e-cigarette products.” Some observers said the government appears more inclined to treat e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, which may suggest it is backing away from a flavor ban. The e-cigarette industry also opposes a flavor ban, arguing that adult smokers should be able to access a wide range of flavors.
At present, Quebec’s flavor ban has reignited a nationwide debate over e-cigarettes, with the focus falling on health risks, government regulation, and youth smoking. The divisions and differing positions among the Canadian government, public health experts, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders highlight just how complex this issue is for Canada.