2015-05 THE REGULATION OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
Whereas #1, the introduction of electronic cigarettes has proliferated despite the fact that the sale of these products is currently not compliant with the Food and Drugs Act; and
Whereas #2, no electronic smoking products have been granted market authorization in Canada; and
Whereas #3, Health Canada is advising Canadians against the purchase or use of electronic smoking products, as these may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality, and efficacy by Health Canada;
therefore be it
Resolved 1, that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as a policy that:
a. the sale of e-cigarettes be banned until long-term research has been conducted and informed regulations are established;
b. ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors permanently;
and be it further
Resolved 2, that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
a. ban the sale of e-cigarettes until long-term research has been conducted and informed regulations are established;
b. enforce the Food and Drugs Act related to the non-compliance of retailers of e-cigarettes;
c. fund research on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes;
d. ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors permanently;
and be it further
Resolved 3, that NCWC urge its federates to lobby their respective governments to establish informed regulations to reduce the health risks related to inhaling nicotine vapors and other noxious substances via electronic cigarettes, as well as establish regulations for the distribution of electronic cigarettes;
and be it further
Resolved 4, that NCWC urge the International Council of Women to urge its federates to research the risks related to the distribution and use of electronic cigarettes in their jurisdictions in order to inform their respective governments about the importance of establishing regulations.
Rationale
The introduction of electronic cigarettes has proliferated despite the fact that the sale of these products is currently not compliant with the Food and Drugs Act. No electronic smoking products have been granted market authorization in Canada.
Health Canada is advising Canadians against the purchase or use of electronic smoking products, as these may pose health risks and have not been fully evaluated for safety, quality, and efficacy by Health Canada.