Home / Health / Manitoba vapes: New bill targets flavored sales locations
Manitoba vapes: New bill targets flavored sales locations
27 May
Summary
- Manitoba bill restricts flavored vape sales in youth-accessible shops.
- Health Minister cites flavored vapes as gateway to tobacco use.
- Lung Association calls bill insufficient for youth vaping rates.
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation to significantly reduce where flavored vaping products can be sold. The proposed bill would prohibit sales in urban businesses that permit individuals under 18 entry, though this restriction would not extend to rural areas.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara explained that the measure aims to prevent minors from being exposed to and enticed by flavored vape products, which she described as a gateway to tobacco and other substances. Flavored and unflavored vapes will remain accessible to adults seeking alternatives to smoking.
Despite the government's efforts, the Manitoba Lung Association believes the bill falls short of what is needed. Citing youth vaping rates that exceed national averages, the association's president, Juliette Mucha, stated that current measures are insufficient to protect young people. The association hopes for stronger amendments before the bill becomes law.
Manitoba's proposed regulations are less stringent than those in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, which have banned most flavors for adults. Prince Edward Island has already raised its minimum age for nicotine vaping products to 21 and banned flavored products entirely.
