Read articles from Canada

May 25, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Most Canadians are unaware of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), despite Canada signing and ratifying it 20 years ago. The treaty, adopted by 182 countries, influences smoking and harm reduction policies worldwide. In Canada, critics argue that FCTC’s strict regulations have led to a rigid, anti-harm-reduction stance that may be harming smokers seeking to quit.

May 07, 2025 by rights4vapers.com

Rights4Vapers congratulates the Liberal Party on forming the new federal government in Canada. They urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Health Ministers to prioritize harm reduction and Canadians' health with evidence-based nicotine policies. The advocacy group stresses the importance of distinguishing safer nicotine products like vaping devices from traditional cigarettes and establishing a Safer Nicotine Act. They call for the reversal of restrictions on nicotine pouch sales and emphasize the need for updated regulations to support smoking cessation effectively.

May 05, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Australia's tobacco excise revenue plummeted to $7.4 billion AUD this year from $16.3 billion AUD in 2019‑20, despite high taxes. Smokers turned to cheaper contraband due to tax hikes, leading to a 50% revenue drop in five years. Canadian authorities should pay attention as they increase taxes and regulations, resulting in a rise in vape store robberies across the country.

April 28, 2025 by westernstandard.news

A Conservative government plans to allow smokers to purchase nicotine pouches at corner stores and gas stations, overturning the Liberal policy of restricting sales to pharmacies under the Food and Drugs Act. The Conservatives emphasize freedom of choice for adults and access to less harmful alternatives for those trying to quit smoking. Currently, Health Canada has licensed Zonnic as a nicotine pouch for smoking cessation.

April 09, 2025 by westernstandard.news

Imperial Tobacco Canada is urging Health Canada to implement evidence-based regulations for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, warning that strict rules may hinder public health by curtailing access to effective products. In response to Health Canada's Draft Guidance on Nicotine Replacement Therapy Dosage Forms, ITCAN criticized the criteria for approving new NRT products as flawed. The company argues that the guidance's requirement for new NRTs to prevent misuse by non-smokers is unrealistic and could impede innovation, pushing consumers towards illicit markets.

March 19, 2025 by citynews.ca

The Canadian Cancer Society launched a vaping cessation program for young adults in Quebec, aiming to help combat the health risks associated with vaping. The program, titled “Aspire à mieux,” offers tailored support to help young people quit vaping, as 22% of those aged 18 to 24 in Quebec use vaping products. The initiative includes personalized text messaging, a mobile app, and peer support groups. With concerns over misinformation about the safety of vaping, the program provides accessible resources and assistance. The success of the pilot program led to its expansion to the general public.

March 14, 2025 by ottawacitizen.com

Experts at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, known for their internationally used smoking cessation model, are now focusing on helping people quit e-cigarettes. Researchers have published a review of existing studies to guide vaping cessation programs, addressing the growing need for support in this area.

February 18, 2025 by filtermag.org

Canada is seeing a shift away from harm reduction, with senior police officials backing this change. Experts reject police claims that harm reduction doesn't work, pointing out police actions have hindered such efforts. Governments, influenced by right-wing pushback, have reversed decriminalization initiatives, such as in British Columbia. Police leaders criticizing harm reduction upon retirement are met with opposition from advocates and experts who emphasize the importance and effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. The Royal Canadian Mountain Police's enforcement against drug use in public spaces contradicted decriminalization efforts, highlighting the harm caused by law enforcement actions on vulnerable populations.

February 12, 2025 by youtube.com

In this episode of Across the Pond, Martin Cullip and Lindsey Stroud are joined by David Sweanor from the University of Ottawa to discuss tobacco harm reduction in Canada. They explore new research co-authored by Sweanor, recently shared on the Canadian government’s website, which highlights the role of flavors in helping adults quit smoking—despite ongoing government efforts to ban them. The discussion also covers the broader progress of harm reduction and how prohibitionists continue to challenge and undermine these efforts.

February 12, 2025 by filtermag.org

The Canadian government has postponed a proposed vape flavor ban following advocacy efforts. Proponents argue flavors aid smoking cessation, but the ban could still be implemented after elections. Health Canada wanted to restrict flavors to menthol, tobacco, and mint due to youth vaping concerns. The harm-reduction case prevailed temporarily. A study showed 68% of Canadian adults quitting smoking used flavors targeted by the ban. Supporters believe banning flavors could lead to dangerous practices. Various provinces have already enacted flavor bans, with negative consequences like vapers reverting to cigarettes in Quebec. The fight to keep flavors available continues, supported by evidence and advocacy efforts.