OPINION: Ottawa’s anti-science war on safer nicotine alternatives
September 03, 2024 by torontosun.com
OPINION: Ottawa’s anti-science war on safer nicotine alternatives
Over the last 30 years, Health Canada has created new rules and regulations, with little evidence that they would reduce smoking. Reducing smoking rates is a good policy outcome, but the policies were not working. Higher taxes, and new packaging forced many Canadians to the cheaper contraband market. After years of stagnation, we’ve seen smoking rates fall to 10% in 2020. While anti-tobacco advocates would claim their measures are finally working, the drop-off happened with the availability of less harmful alternatives like vaping and nicotine pouches. These products have played a crucial role in helping people quit smoking and reduce their overall tobacco use.
12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.9 million current smokers in Canada 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
