MPP Gélinas reintroduces bill to protect youth from harms of vaping

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Health Critic MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt), was joined with health professionals and people with lived experience were in the Queen’s Park media studio this morning to discuss the need for further legislative action around vaping in Ontario.

"Studies are showing that the number of youths vaping in high school continues to increase," said MPP Gélinas. "It is continually reported that over a quarter of high school aged kids in Ontario vape. These kids are at risk of harm done to their lungs and brain development. The Ontario government is failing to protect our kids and is leaving our youth in a position of possible lasting damage to their health."

In 2023, Quebec banned flavoured vaping products and limited sales of vaping products geared towards youth with animal, characters, food, and toy shapes. "Vaping is not harmless. The legislative changes in Québec have shown a reduction in youth vaping according to public health Québec. Why is Ontario allowing a predatory vaping industry to operate unfettered while our neighbours take action to protect their young,” asked MPP Gélinas.

"These measures would protect our youth from risks to their health. Without action, our kids are vulnerable to consuming these products without knowing the harmful effects. Parents, families, and schools are worried, yet the government is not helping. A quarter of high school kids are vaping, this is far too many, and it is time for Ontario to support and protect our kids," said Gélinas.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“The Canadian Cancer Society congratulates MPP France Gélinas on the reintroduction of Vaping is Not For Kids – a comprehensive bill that is a toolbox for reducing tobacco and nicotine use for younger generations. Marketing strategies have made vaping more appealing to youth. We now see vaping use as high as 27% among grade 12 students. It is critical that we respond to the youth vaping epidemic with a multi-pronged set of measures such as those contained in this Bill, including a minimum sales age of 21, banning promotion and banning online sales.”

Hillary Buchan-Terrell, Advocacy Manager (Ontario) Canadian Cancer Society

“It took decades for us to learn the health effects of smoking. We are now seeing worrisome signs at this early stage with vaping. We have to apply the lessons we learned from smoking and need to be more cautious in how we allow these products to be marketed. With all-party support, four Canadian provinces and one territory have already put comprehensive flavour restrictions in place. We would hope and expect similar all-party support for this bill, too. Our enormous gratitude goes to Ms. Gélinas and her team for the continued championing of this important file.”

Dr. Atul Kapur, President of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada

“An important aspect of public health is focusing on prevention and dealing with an issue before it becomes more expensive and difficult to treat. That's why it’s essential that our provincial government take this seriously by implementing measures to protect kids from the harms of vaping. As nurses and health-care professionals who provide care to patients with lung damage and nicotine addictions, the Ontario Nurses’ Association supports this Bill.”

Erin Ariss, RN. Provincial President, Ontario Nurses’ Association

“Heart & Stroke strongly supports the Vaping is Not for Kids Act and its comprehensive approach to addressing youth vaping. Vaping remains a significant public health concern, with the highest rates among young people under 25. This is particularly concerning given that the human brain continues to develop until this age, and nicotine exposure can impair that development. Evidence also links vaping to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and mental health issues. Measures such as banning online sales, restricting flavours, and raising the legal age of purchase to 21 are evidence-based and will play a critical role in protecting the health of young people in Ontario.”

Lesley James, Director for Health Policy and Systems, Heart & Stroke

"The Canadian Lung Association applauds the reintroduction of the Vaping is Not for Kids Bill, which delivers critical, overdue protections for young people against the dangers of vaping. Nicotine is highly addictive, and the rise of youth vaping poses an immediate threat to an entire generation of healthy lungs. Our mandate has always been to ensure that every Canadian can breathe free—and preventing youth nicotine dependency is absolutely central to that mission."

Sarah Butson, CEO of the Canadian Lung Association