The CMA has been a strong advocate and supporter of a smoke-free Canada for decades, spurred by physicians who have seen the harmful effects of tobacco use. We issued our first public warning about the hazards in 1954 and were a contributing force to the federal government’s resolution that tobacco products be sold in plain, standard-sized packages.
While fewer Canadians smoke tobacco today than in previous decades, the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes — also known as “e-cigarettes” or “vapes” — demands attention. While these products don’t contain tobacco, they do include nicotine and flavourings that could potentially cause harm. The CMA is calling for more research into the possible health consequences of these devices and their claims of effectiveness as smoking cessation aids. We also support banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and believe the same marketing restrictions that apply to tobacco products should apply to vaping products and devices.
CMA policies on smoking and e-cigarettes
2018 Angus Reid Institute data 2013 and 2015 Health Canada data
of Canadians say they’ve tried vaping, up from 13.2% in 2015 and 8.5% in 2013 — suggesting a growing trend
2016 Health Canada data
fewer Canadians over the age of 12 could be considered smokers in 2016 versus 1965 — likely due in part to anti-smoking efforts over the last several decades
2018 Angus Reid Institute data
of Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 say they’ve tried vaping — compared to 19% of those 35–54 and 9% 55 or older, indicating age is a factor
2018 Angus Reid Institute data
Canadians support banning the use of vaping products by minors, indicating broad public support for Bill S-5 and other measures