The Manitoba government is moving to restrict the sale of flavored vaping products to a limited number of locations, but advocates argue the proposal is insufficient. A bill introduced this week would prohibit the sale of such products in urban businesses where minors are allowed entry, though the measure does not apply in rural areas.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara stated the goal is to reduce youth access, calling flavored vapes a potential gateway to tobacco and other substances. The bill mirrors restrictions in British Columbia and Ontario, limiting sales to adult-only specialty stores. Non-flavored vapes and other nicotine products for adults who are trying to quit smoking will remain available.
However, the Manitoba Lung Association says this approach is too weak. President Juliette Mucha noted that the province's youth vaping rates are above the national average and that minors still access these products through social networks and online channels. She argued the bill does not create meaningful change.
Other provinces have taken stronger action. Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have banned most flavors for adults as well. Prince Edward Island raised the minimum age to 21 and banned flavored products entirely. The Lung Association hopes the Manitoba bill will be amended before it becomes law, with public hearings expected later this year.