The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) was pleased to present a submission regarding the Government of Canada’s Notice of Intent – Potential Measures to Reduce the Impact of Vaping Products Advertising on Youth and Non-users of Tobacco Products, which was published by Health Canada on February 7, 2019 and in Canada Gazette Part I on February 16, 2019.
Our formal response can be read in full here: OCSA – Health Canada Notice of Intent – Submission -Vaping Products.
Below is a summary of our findings:
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association recognizes the work Health Canada has done to date with respect to regulating the steadily growing e-cigarette and vaping products market in Canada. It is crucial that all regulatory measures captured in the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act reflect the intent to both limit youth and non-smoker uptake of vaping products while realizing their harm reduction potential by helping adult smokers switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping products.
Advertisements at points-of-sale directed at current smokers need to be permitted to ensure awareness among consumers of the availability of reduced-risk products. Ontario convenience stores have a proven track record of responsible retailing – committed to continuous improvement with respect to policies and practices aimed at keeping these products out of the hands of young people. We’re also proud of our excellent relationships with the e-cigarette and vaping product manufacturers whose products are found in our stores. Further tightening these regulations would prevent many independent small business owners from having the opportunity to help smokers switch to a less harmful alternative while maintaining the viability of their businesses.
We look forward to working with Health Canada to help realize these outcomes and continue to demonstrate our commitment to responsibly retailing age-restricted products.
