Statement
December 18, 2015 1:47 P.M.
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
news.ontario.ca
Statement by Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care on New Laws for Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco:
"Today I am pleased to reaffirm our government's commitment to move forward with our efforts to protect our youth from the dangers of tobacco and the potential harms of e-cigarettes.
Effective January 1st, 2016, the sale and supply of e-cigarettes to those under the age of 19 will be banned. As well, we are banning the sale of certain flavoured tobacco products and increasing the maximum fines for youth-related sales offences under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.
I want to be clear that our government is not banning the use of e-cigarettes. Rather, we are putting in place measures that best reflect the public interest and the well-being of our youth.
E-cigarettes have been identified as an emerging trend in Ontario and concerns have been raised about the potential harms of e-cigarettes and their possible implications for tobacco control efforts. That is why we are taking precautionary measures, while also funding research on their potential health effects.
Early in the new year, we will move to restrict where e-cigarettes can be used. As always, we welcome continued input from all stakeholders as we work together to help protect Ontario's youth from the dangers of tobacco and the potential harms of e-cigarettes."
Media Contacts
Polina Osmerkina
Minister’s Office
416 325 3754
David Jensen
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
416 314 6197