Canadian Cancer Society wants Sask. to regulate vaping like tobacco

The Canadian Cancer Society wants a say when the Moe government introduces legislation for the regulation of vaping products in Saskatchewan this fall.

Health policy analyst Donna Pasiechnik was in attendance for Wednesday’s throne speech and said the cancer society would like to see regulations to keep vaping products out of the hands of youths.

“This is a relatively new product and in Canada we’ve seen a 70 per cent increase in vaping among 16- to 19-year-olds between 2017 and 2018,” said Pasiechnik.

The cancer society is calling for vaping to be treated much like tobacco products.

“Any child who walks into a convenience store or corner store now is bombarded with vaping products from Juul and Vype. We don’t think they should be out; they should be treated the same way as tobacco products, out of sight,” said Pasiechnik.

In addition to regulations on the display and promotion of vaping products, Pasiechnik wants restrictions placed on flavours that may appeal to youth while increasing the legal age to 19 in an attempt to keep vaping out of high schools.

“Studies are showing us that kids who vape are more likely to start smoking,” said Pasiechnik.

Vaping is often considered a healthier option to smoking and as a way to help smokers quit. The Canadian Cancer Society’s position is that while it agrees vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it’s not harmless.

Pasiechnik pointed to growing concerns about vaping across Canada and the U.S., adding the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully known.

“We know that the number of vaping-related illnesses and deaths has been steadily climbing and no one really knows exactly why this is happening,” said Pasiechnik.

She advised the public, if you smoke, don’t vape as well. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start vaping and don’t vape while pregnant.