The Manitoba government has introduced new legislation that would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to minors, place restrictions on advertising and promoting, and prohibit their use in most indoor public places. This announcement was made by Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Deanne Crothers.
“There are many unanswered questions surrounding the safety of e-cigarettes and their total impact on smoking rates,” said Minister Crothers. “Our goal is to find a balance that minimizes possible health risks to children and other bystanders, while acknowledging that some individuals use these products to help them quit smoking.”
The proposed amendments prohibiting sale to minors and restricting advertising, display and promotion are the same as current regulations that apply to tobacco products, the minister said. The new rules would also prohibit e-cigarette use in most indoor public places where smoking is currently prohibited, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, malls, restaurants, indoor workplaces and vehicles where children under the age of 16 are present.
“We are pleased to see the Manitoba government taking action to regulate e-cigarettes,” said Murray Gibson, executive director, Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance. “These new measures would protect youth from nicotine addiction and the possible dangers of e-cigarette vapour and would curb the growing use of e-cigarettes by non-smokers.”
The proposed legislation is similar to laws proposed in other jurisdictions, Minister Crothers said. However, the rules proposed for Manitoba would allow customers to test products at specialty shops where vapour products are the predominant product sold and the proposed amendments would also allow for consideration of further exemptions to the indoor use ban for adult-only establishments, such as bars and casinos, the minister added.
She noted the proposed amendments would establish rules for products that are not currently controlled in Manitoba.
“This is an important initial step in addressing this complex, emerging issue,” said Minister Crothers. “It’s a true Manitoba-made approach.”
