Prince George, B.C. – The NDP has re-introduced a bill to ban the sale of flavoured tobacco products in B.C.

“This is a measure aimed at protecting children and teenagers, who would otherwise be drawn to products flavoured like peach or watermelon and have designs that make them look more like candy than the deadly tobacco products they are,” says MLA Judy Darcy, the NDP’s spokesperson for health.

“Tobacco companies know that when people start smoking young, they are more likely to get addicted and therefore are more likely to be life-long smokers. Stopping the sale of these flavoured tobacco products is one step toward reducing the prevalence of tobacco-related cancers in British Columbia.”

The NDP first introduced the bill last spring at which time Health Minister Terry lake said he preferred to see what restrictions the federal government would be making.

What percentage of kids are using flavoured tobacco products?

“I don’t have specific data. We know from some survey’s how many young people smoke in B.C. but not specifically about flavouring. But we do know that many of the flavours are marketed to youth,” says Northern Health tobacco reduction lead Nancy Viney.

“I think we need to tighten-up the ability of selling products that entice kids to start using tobacco. Although we know the dangers of tobacco we still have young people starting to use it and get addicted at a young age.”