Vaping Epidemic Grips Nova Scotia Schools

A significant rise in nicotine addiction among younger Nova Scotians is being driven by vaping, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. The organization reports that almost half of high school students in the province have experimented with vaping, and Nova Scotia currently leads Canada in youth vaping prevalence.

Heather Mulligan, a senior manager with the Canadian Cancer Society, described the situation as an epidemic in schools, where young people are becoming addicted to products they cannot legally buy. She proposed allocating the province's $809 million in tobacco lawsuit settlement funds toward expanding cessation support, strengthening enforcement, and implementing earlier interventions.

Mulligan suggested increasing the purchasing age to 21, similar to Prince Edward Island and parts of the United States, and enhancing educational programs in schools. This would allow educators to focus on teaching rather than managing student nicotine addiction.

The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness stated that youth vaping rates are a serious concern due to vaping's clear negative effects on physical and mental health, especially for developing brains. The department has been running a youth vaping cessation campaign since 2024 and continues to offer resources and support through Tobacco Free NS and vapingfacts.ca.

Meanwhile, tobacco use remains a significant public health issue in Nova Scotia, identified as the leading cause of preventable cancer and disease, contributing to 1,800 deaths and costing the healthcare system $210 million annually. Currently, 14% of Nova Scotians smoke, exceeding the national average of 11%.