Liberal MLA calls for immediate action on vaping in B.C. after first case of severe illness in Canada

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There are calls to ban, or partially ban, vaping products in British Columbia as what’s believed to be Canada’s first case of a vaping-related illness is diagnosed in London, Ontario.

The official opposition is taking a stand and a direct jab at the provincial NDP government on the issue. Liberal MLA Todd Stone has written an open letter to Minister of Health Adrian Dix, pushing for action and change.

He also CC’d Premier John Horgan.

This comes as a young person in London, Ont. is diagnosed with severe respiratory illness related to vaping. There have been several deaths in the US and now there’s a push to either ban or partially ban vaping products in BC. What do you think? https://t.co/EAqjZDYQ1R

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) September 18, 2019

“Our kids are being drawn in and hooked to this unhealthy practice in increasing numbers as a direct result of the efforts vape companies have made to deliberately target our youth with kid-friendly e-cigarette flavours like fruit medley, gummy bear, and mango,” Stone says in the letter.

He details a private member’s bill he introduced in April to ban flavoured vapour products, introduce tighter retail controls and roll out tougher penalties for non-compliance.

“At the time, you indicated to me both publicly and privately that you shared my concerns about this public health issue facing our youth and that you were committed to working with me to implement tough action to protect our kids from the harmful effects of vaping,” the letter continues. “Unfortunately, five months later, no action has yet been taken by your government.”

RELATED: Only a matter of time before Canada sees severe vaping-related issues: B.C. health authority

On Wednesday, a young person in Ontario was diagnosed with a severe respiratory illness related to vaping. Last week, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said it was only a matter of time before these illnesses, with six dead in the United States, hit Canada.

Stone’s letter says it was his understanding that the premier was waiting for further guidance from Health Canada before taking a stand on vaping products, but the election has put a wrench in the works.

“It is impractical to assume any immediate follow-up from Ottawa until the current federal election is over, a federal government has been sworn in, and federal cabinet priorities have been established,” the letter says, which would take months. “I urge you to take action now.”

In an interview with NEWS 1130, Stone said his bill received non-partisan support when he introduced it, but there has been no change.

“I’ve heard nothing but crickets since and we’re five months later,” he says. “Use is surging among teens. We can’t wait that long – it’s time to take some steps now.”

Stone wants the province to begin with the flavoured product ban and then implement tougher retail controls.

“We also need to put resources into every middle and high school across the province to fund programs that would be about awareness, prevention and support,” he adds. “Current estimates suggest that about 30 per cent of B.C. teens in grades 10 to 12 are vaping on a regular basis – we just don’t know what the long-term health impacts of that are going to be.”

Dix says the federal government was supposed to bring in new regulations but called the election first. He says the government is looking at what can be done provincially – but has no details on what or when.