Ontario is proposing to strengthen its smoking laws to better protect people from second-hand smoke, whether from a tobacco product or medical marijuana. The province is also proposing changes to regulate the use, sale, display and promotion of electronic cigarettes.
These proposed changes come on the 10th anniversary of the Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy, which has helped lower health risks to non-smokers in Ontario. Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke exposure. Studies show that young people are less likely to become regular smokers when living in areas with strong tobacco control regulations when compared to areas where regulations are weaker.
Establish rules for the display and promotion of e-cigarettes in places where they are sold and prohibit the testing of e-cigarettes where they are sold.
A summary of proposed changes can be found on the Regulatory Registry for public comment.
Through the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the government has taken a strong stance to protect the people of Ontario from second-hand smoke in enclosed public places and workplaces. Recent amendments to the Act include further protection for kids by banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, and increasing the maximum fines for youth-related sales offenses.