Quebec vaping rules challenged

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) has filed a legal challenge against a tobacco control bill that took effect in Quebec on November 26.

According to a press note issued through CNW, the CVA, a national association of electronic-cigarette advocates, retailers, manufacturers and distributors, has filed the challenge against Quebec’s Bill 44: an Act to Bolster Tobacco Control.

“By prohibiting the testing of e-cigarettes in specialty vape shops, banning display and promotion in store and online sales of any vape product, we believe the government of Quebec should be taken to task over the constitutionality of Bill 44”, said Beju Lakhani, president of the CVA.

“Our membership includes those who wish to vape rather than smoke tobacco and those who assist customers choose the most appropriate products that are right for them and, of course to help them understand how to use them properly.  By introducing these measures, the government of Quebec, we believe has overstepped its legislative authority, which leaves us with no other choice than to bring this matter before the courts,” said Lakhani.

The CVA says that it participated in the public consultations and provided reasonable alternatives to the measures proposed in Bill 44.

It believes that the measures being introduced by the government might drive the vaping market underground, and leave those wanting to switch from smoking to vaping with no access to expert advice.