Key parts of Alberta’s anti-smoking legislation set to expire

EDMONTON- A coalition of health groups is warning that parts of Alberta’s anti-smoking legislation could expire in December.

The groups say the problem is that parts of the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act that was passed five years ago have still not been proclaimed into law.

The parts include rules to prevent minors from buying and using vaping devices that contain nicotine and preventing minors from using or buying waterpipes.

“We are deeply concerned with the Alberta government’s failure to enact major sections of the tobacco act that would protect thousands of youth from tobacco addiction and premature death” said Les Hagen of Action on Smoking & Health (ASH).  “We are even more distressed to know that these sections will heading to the chopping block unless they are proclaimed this fall. One Cabinet meeting could make a world of difference to thousands of Alberta youth.”