Canadian provinces urged to intensify the fight against flavours in vaping

A member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly has introduced a bill to ban flavored single-use vaping products, with the exception of tobacco flavors, amid growing concerns about the appeal of vaping among youth. This initiative is not an isolated case, as several Canadian provinces have already adopted similar restrictions. Meanwhile, a coalition of public health organizations has called for a broader ban on flavors in all vaping products at the federal level, citing the increasing use of vaping products among teenagers and the associated health risks. They have also highlighted the limitations of current regulations.

A proposed law in Alberta against flavored puffs

Chelsea Petrovic, a member of the United Conservative Party (UCP) representing the Livingston-Macleod riding, has introduced a bill in the Alberta Legislative Assembly to ban the sale of flavoured single-use vaping products (or "puffs"), with the exception of tobacco flavours.[1]. According to the elected official, this initiative addresses a growing concern about vaping among young people, with the aim of reducing the risk of nicotine addiction from an early age. The proposal will need to be reviewed by a committee and then adopted in a public session before it can potentially come into effect, without any guarantee at this stage of support from the provincial government.

The MP indicates that she wants to adopt an approach that she considers balanced, maintaining the possibility for adults to use vaping as an alternative to tobacco, while reducing its appeal to minors.

Several public health experts believe the initiative is a step forward, while considering it incomplete. Les Hagen, director of Action on Smoking & Health Canada (ASH Canada), advocates for a broader ban on flavourings in all vaping products, as well as a total ban on single-use vaping products.

Sarah Butson, director of the Canadian Lung Association, also points out that flavors play a significant role in making products appealing to teenagers and calls for a broader ban. She also reminds us that vaping is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.

If adopted, the legislation would come into effect one year after its promulgation date. Alberta would then join several Canadian provinces that have already implemented similar restrictions, including Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

A public health coalition in Ontario is calling for a broader ban on flavours and additives.

Meanwhile, a new poster campaign in Ottawa, led by ASH Canada, the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control, and Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, has raised awareness about the rise in vaping among young people, estimating that approximately 50,000 high school students may have started vaping since May 2025, according to Government of Canada data analyzed by health organizations.[2].

At the federal level, Canada has already banned certain flavors, with the exception of menthol, in tobacco products, but the regulations do not extend to tobacco-free nicotine products such as e-cigarettes. A reform proposed in 2021 aimed to allow only mint and menthol in vaping flavors and additives. has still not been finalized.

The coalition of health groups is therefore asking the federal Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, to take measures to regulate the sector and protect the health of young Canadians:« Although we fully acknowledge that Minister Michel inherited the youth vaping crisis from the previous government, she has been in office for almost a year. »" said Cynthia Callard, spokesperson for Doctors for a Smoke-Free Canada.

The existence of differing legislation across provinces also contributes to the difficulty of enforcing the ban in the territories where it has been adopted. Recent monitoring by Health Canada highlights repeated instances of non-compliance by the vaping industry, including the sale of flavoured products, particularly online, in provinces where they are prohibited.

Health organizations are therefore calling for a strengthening of national regulations, including a broader restriction of flavors and elements deemed attractive to young consumers: colorful design, connected features, playful elements. The coalition of the three health groups sent a letter to parliamentarians. to call for swift federal action: a ban on flavours and additives in all vaping products without exception at the federal level, a ban on the sale of these products between provinces and online, and the implementation of collaborative protocols between Ottawa, the provinces and the territories to improve compliance with provincial and territorial bans.

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[1]Eve Côté, A Conservative MP wants to crack down on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes, Radio-Canada, published April 18, 2026, accessed April 20, 2026

[2]Press release, Bus shelter ad highlights 50,000 high school students who've started vaping since Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel took office, and demands national ban on flavored e-cigarettes, Action on Smoking & Health (ASH Canada), Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control, Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, published April 17, 2026, accessed April 20, 2026

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