Ottawa ─ The Canadian Lung Association salutes Nova Scotia for becoming the first jurisdiction in North America to ban menthol flavoured tobacco.
On April 28, the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly approved a ban on menthol cigarettes and other flavoured tobacco products. Bill 90 comes into effect on May 31, 2015.
“We commend the Nova Scotia Legislature for taking the lead and approving a ban on menthol cigarettes and other flavoured tobacco products,” said Debra Lynkowski, president and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association. “Menthol is the most popular flavour among Canadian youth. We urge other provinces and the federal government to follow Nova Scotia’s lead in protecting our youth.”
The most recent national Youth Smoking Survey found that 32 per cent of smokers in high school smoke menthols. Menthol cigarettes have been directly linked to higher nicotine addiction among youth in Canada, according to a recent study from the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo.
Across Canada, other provinces are also taking action against menthol flavoured tobacco. In Ontario, the provincial legislature is also expected to pass new legislation shortly to ban menthol cigarettes and other flavoured tobacco products. In Quebec, the provincial government has said that it will introduce legislation on flavoured tobacco, including menthol, this spring.
About the Canadian Lung Association
Established in 1900, The Lung Association is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected health charities, and the leading national organization for science-based information, research, education, support programs and advocacy on lung heath issues. For more information, visit www.lung.ca
National media contact:
Janis Hass
Director of Marketing and Communications
Canadian Lung Association
jhass@lung.ca
