The Province of British Columbia is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to provide an update on British Columbia’s vaping regulations.
Health Minister Adrian Dix and Education Minister Rob Fleming will be providing the update at 11:30 a.m. PT. A live stream of the announcement will be available on the BC Government’s Facebook page.
Back in November of 2019, the provincial government announced plans to increase taxes on vaping products and restrict the amount of nicotine in vapour pods in an effort to protect youth from the health risks of vaping.
The new regulations, which included requiring plain packaging for vapour products, were to come into effect by the springtime of this year.
“Some vaping manufacturers are using flavours and advertising to entice and normalize vaping for youth – introducing a new generation to very high levels of a very addictive drug,” Miniter of Health Adrian Dix said back in November.
“As a result, youth vaping rates are rising, putting them at risk for addiction and serious illness. That’s why we are bringing in the most comprehensive plan in the country, and supporting young people to end this dangerous trend.”
During the announcement in November, the government indicated that advertising of vapour products would also be restricted in areas where youth spend time, such as bus shelters or community parks.
BC officials said last fall that they hoped the federal government would bring in national regulations to address vapour product wholesalers.
This story will be updated following the 11:30 a.m. announcement.
Graham Cox
