PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND -
The Canadian Cancer Society welcomes the final adoption Thursday by the Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly of provincial legislation to increase the minimum purchase age for tobacco and vaping products to 21. The legislation received third reading, with unanimous all-party support and will come into force 120 days after Royal Assent.
“Once again, Prince Edward Island has demonstrated tremendous national leadership in cancer control,” said Kelly Cull, Regional Director of Public Policy for Atlantic Canada. “This builds on past leadership by the province. PEI was the first province in Canada to offer the HPV vaccination to boys.”
“We praise MLA Cory Deagle for his leadership, and we thank all parties for their support of this crucial public health legislation,” says Cull. “Vaping is a public health epidemic amongst Canadian youth, and this legislation takes firm meaningful action to address this crisis.”
In addition to a minimum age of 21, Bill 112 provides that vaping products may only be sold in adult-only specialty stores, a Canadian first. Bill 112 also establishes regulatory authority over flavours in e-cigarettes.
“We believe the measures adopted in PEI should also be adopted by other provinces,” says Cull. “All levels of Government have a role in curbing youth vaping and smoking. We urge all provinces to adopt a minimum age of 21, and to require that e-cigarette sales be limited to adult-only specialty vape stores.”
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, which is why CCS urges the provincial government to adopt a minimum age of 21, among other measures. The vast majority of smokers begin smoking before the age of 19. A 2015 report by the Institute of Medicine concluded that increasing the minimum tobacco sales age from 18 to 21 in the U.S. would reduce smoking rates among 15- to 17-year-olds by 25%, and among 18- and 19-year-olds by 15%.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is the only national charity that supports Canadians with all cancers in communities across the country. No other organization does what we do; we are the voice for Canadians who care about cancer. We fund groundbreaking research, provide a support system for all those affected by cancer and advocate to governments for important social change.
Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Cull
Canadian Cancer Society
902-403-0369