Vaping to be regulated under Tobacco Control Act

Saskatchewan government initiative will see restrictions on vaping similar to smoking, will restrict displays and advertising, and will restrict sales of vaping products to those 18 and over

November 7, 2019, 12:14 pm

On November 6, amendments to The Tobacco Control Act were passed unanimously by the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly allowing the province to move quickly to ensure regulation of vaping and vaping products is in line with existing tobacco legislation.

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

“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.”

Over the next months, the Ministry of Health will proceed with the necessary supporting regulations to address both the restrictions on vaping and vaping products and the enforcement.

New signage prohibiting vaping will be made available for public buildings, retail locations and school properties.

It is anticipated that The Tobacco Control Act amendments and supporting regulations will be in force in early 2020.

Introduced on November 5, the amendments in Bill 182 will:

restrict the sale of vapour/e-cigarette devices and products to individuals 18 years of age and older;

prohibit the display of vapour/e-cigarette products in a retail business where young persons have access;

restrict the use of vapour/e-cigarette products in and around public buildings, including schools and school grounds, in the same manner as our provincial tobacco legislation;

prohibit the sale of vapour/e-cigarette products from specified facilities such as amusement parks, arcades, and theatres where youth frequent; and

restrict advertising of vapour/e-cigarette products in the same manner as tobacco products by prohibiting advertising signs and promotional signs in areas where young persons can enter.