Read articles from Canada

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.

February 10, 2025 by gfn.tv

In Canada, youth vaping dominates the public health debate—but what about the millions of adult smokers left behind? Dr. Mark Tyndall reveals how fear, misinformation, and political convenience are obstructing access to safer nicotine products. Is Canadian public health failing its most vulnerable by rejecting harm reduction?

January 30, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Canada's proposed ban on vape flavors is likely delayed until 2025 due to concerns from health groups. The ban, aiming to limit youth vaping, faces opposition from anti-smoking organizations citing flavored vapes' role in helping smokers quit. Despite calls from public health officials, the government's postponement is attributed to provincial bans causing a rise in black market trade. The vaping industry warns that a flavor ban could push adult vapers back to smoking. Health Minister Ya'ara Saks reaffirms the eventual restriction on flavors, emphasizing the need to address vaping risks effectively.

January 29, 2025 by financialpost.com

Teen smoking rates in the U.S. and Canada have dropped dramatically, nearing zero, from 25% in the 1990s. This significant decline, celebrated by researcher Ken Warner, is largely attributed to the rise of vaping, particularly after 2018 with the introduction of Juul and Vuse. While health authorities deserve credit for the gradual decline in smoking, vaping has accelerated this trend, especially among youth. However, this factor remains underdiscussed by health groups and governments.

January 27, 2025 by ualberta.ca

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking during pregnancy, as highlighted by a University of Alberta study. Evidence from global research reveals that e-cigarette use during pregnancy is linked to harmful outcomes for both mothers and babies. Prenatal vaping increases the risk of adverse effects, including low birth weight and preterm birth, which can lead to long-term health issues. The harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes pose risks to fetal development. The study emphasizes the importance of discouraging vaping among pregnant women and calls for further investigation into the dangers of e-cigarettes. Public health campaigns and stricter regulations on e-cigarette sales are recommended based on the research findings.

January 22, 2025 by healthydebate.ca

Dual users, individuals who smoke cigarettes and vape, are a sizable overlooked group in Canada. Research shows significant health risks if they stop vaping and return to smoking. Strategies such as reducing cigarette consumption and transitioning fully to vaping can lower health risks. Encouragement, lower costs, and improved accessibility for vaping products are crucial. Treating dual users like transitioning drivers or eaters acknowledges progress towards quitting smoking entirely. Supporting them is essential for reducing tobacco-related harm and promoting healthier choices.

January 21, 2025 by canada.ca

The Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health addresses the risk of smoking in Canada during National Non-Smoking Week, emphasizing nicotine addiction and vaping's dangers, especially among youth. Recommendations include regulating vaping products like tobacco, restricting marketing, and enhancing enforcement. They propose national consistency in banning flavored products, setting age 21 for sales, and monitoring nicotine vaping's health impacts. Federal and provincial actions should align to maximize youth protection. Awareness campaigns and research on vaping effects are essential, alongside collaboration with Indigenous communities. The Council urges stringent regulations, cessation support, and education to combat nicotine vaping's public health threat.