Sask. legislature approves plan to address vaping

It took just one day for Saskatchewan’s plan to regulate vaping to earn legislative approval.

Amendments to The Tobacco Control Act that were introduced in the legislature on Tuesday were passed unanimously on Wednesday, giving the province the go-ahead to regulate vaping and vaping products in the same way that it regulates tobacco.

“Quick passage of this legislation demonstrates how important it is to further protect our youth from vaping,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said in a media release.

“I want to thank our partners and health stakeholders for their support for this legislation and look forward to consulting with them again on the regulations and how to best address flavoured vaping products.”

The amendments will: Limit the sale of vaping and e-cigarette devices or products only to those 18 years of age and older; prohibit the display of vaping products in businesses to which young people have access; restrict the use of vaping products in and around public buildings, including schools and school grounds; and, restrict advertising of vaping products through the use of promotional signs in areas that young persons can access.

The new regulations are expected to take effect in the spring.