Tobacco use remains a significant preventable cause of disease and premature death in Canada, claiming the lives of approximately 46,000 Canadians every year. Although smoking rates and youth vaping rates in Canada are declining overall, the use of tobacco and vaping products in Canada is still a pressing issue and underscores the need for continued and coordinated public health action. The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) is a key tool used to protect Canadians from tobacco-related death and disease, and from the risks associated with vaping products.
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, tabled the report of the third legislative review of the TVPA in Parliament. Building on the first and second reviews, this latest review focused on compliance and enforcement of the TVPA and identified areas for potential action to strengthen Health Canada's approach to enforcement. This includes engaging and cooperating meaningfully with Indigenous Peoples, including regarding ceremonial and traditional uses of tobacco; strengthening collaboration and information sharing with partners for effective enforcement; increasing the use of artificial intelligence and automation for compliance and enforcement activities; and adding new or enhanced enforcement tools to address industry non-compliance.
The findings of this review will guide future actions, build on progress to date to strengthen compliance and enforcement, and ensure that the TVPA continues to help better protect the health of Canadians.
