Latest news with #MarjorieMichel
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Convenience Store Group Urge Health Minister to Reverse Flawed Nicotine Pouch Ban to Help More Smokers Quit
TORONTO, May 31, 2025 /CNW/ - On this World No Tobacco Day, the United Korean Convenience Industry Alliance (UKCIA) is calling on newly appointed Health Minister Marjorie Michel to act decisively in correcting a harmful policy introduced by her predecessor, Mark Holland: the ban on nicotine pouches in convenience stores. Canada's corner store operators have a long, proud history of responsibly retailing age-restricted products. They are uniquely positioned to support public health objectives by helping adult smokers transition to lower-risk alternatives. Yet, under Minister Holland's tenure, the federal government banned the sale of regulated nicotine pouches in convenience stores—resulting in consumers turning instead to the black market to purchase these popular products. "Minister Michel has an opportunity to reset Canada's approach to helping smokers quit," said Kenny Shim President of UKCIA. "That starts by reversing Minister Holland's ministerial order and allow responsible retailers to offer adult consumers regulated, safer nicotine alternatives." The UKCIA urges Minister Michel and Prime Minister Mark Carney to address two urgent priorities: Reverse the Ban on Nicotine Pouches in C-StoresThis prohibition prevents adult smokers from accessing products that are widely recognized as part of a harm-reduction strategy. Regulated and approved nicotine pouches—already sold in pharmacies—should be equally available in convenience stores that operate under strict ID protocols and retail standards. Increase Penalties on Canada's Growing Illicit Market of Tobacco ProductsIllegal tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly available to consumers. These products are often sold without age checks, without health warnings, and without regulation—routinely out of the trunks of cars, online, or at unlicensed outlets. This thriving black market undermines both public health and law-abiding businesses. "Our members are on the front lines," said Shim "We see firsthand how the illegal market continues to expand while government enforcement lags behind. Meanwhile, responsible retailers are being punished for doing the right thing." Smoking rates in Canada continue to decline, thanks in part to innovation and new and less harmful alternatives. But restricting access to those very tools—while ignoring the unregulated alternatives flooding the streets—is a backwards approach. The UKCIA, which represents 2000 small businesses across the country, calls on Minister Michel to listen to their concerns and act accordingly. World No Tobacco Day should be a time to move forward—not fall behind. SOURCE United Korean Canadian Industry Association (UKCIA) View original content:
Global News
27-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Ban flavoured vapes now, anti-smoking groups urge Carney's government
Several tobacco control organizations are renewing their calls on the federal government to put a ban on flavoured vaping products as a new Parliament begins and a new health minister settles into their role. That comes as data over recent years has shown half of Canadian young adults have tried vaping, and after previous health minister Mark Holland took aim at the tobacco industry during the previous Parliament, telling it to 'stay the hell away from our kids.' Action on Smoking and Health, the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control and Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada called on Health Minister Marjorie Michel to finalize regulations first put forward in 2021 that would prohibit flavours, except for tobacco, mint and menthol, from being added to e-cigarettes. However, the group said it wants those regulations further strengthened to prohibit all but tobacco flavours and for it to happen in Michel's first 100 days in office. Story continues below advertisement 'Let's be clear, we're not calling for a ban on all vaping products, but only for a ban on flavoured versions that make them interesting and highly appealing to youth,' said Flory Doucas, co-director of the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control. Flavoured vaping products have been a topic of discussion among governments for years and the regulations noted by the groups was a promise made by Ottawa in 2021. Three years later, no such restrictions exist on a national level, but the promise has remained amid a broader federal push to crack down on the sale and appeal of new forms of nicotine for youth, including a ban on flavoured nicotine pouches put in place last year. 'We cannot afford for this government to sit on its hands or take the same laissez-faire approach to the tobacco and nicotine industry as its predecessor,' Cynthia Callard, executive director of Physicians for a Smoke Canada, said in a press release. 3:31 Easy access to vape devices for B.C. students Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, went on to criticize tobacco companies. Story continues below advertisement 'Tobacco and nicotine companies are driving the youth vaping epidemic and they can't be trusted,' Hagen said Monday morning. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Canada's three largest tobacco companies recently conceded to a $32-billion penalty to provincial governments for decades of deceptive marketing behaviour. Despite this penalty, it's still business as usual for the industry.' That $32.5-billion settlement was approved by an Ontario judge in March and would see provinces, territories and former smokers compensated by JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. In October 2024, a spokesperson for then-minister of mental health and addictions minister Ya'ara Saks said the commitment remains, but that the delay was in part due to wanting to ensure a national framework works. Saks' office pointed to jurisdictions like Quebec, where it said the province's ban on flavoured vapes led to an accessible illicit market, adding that other jurisdictions' own plans would inform 'future action.' Quebec's ban prohibits the sale of any vape except for tobacco flavour and those that have no flavour or aroma. 1:36 Toxic metals in vapes linked with major health problems in youth, study finds Global News reached out to Michel's office for an update on the government's stance but did not hear back by publication. Story continues below advertisement Imperial Tobacco Canada's vice-president of corporate and regulatory affairs, Eric Gagnon, on Monday told reporters that the company's stance is similar to the groups in terms of prohibiting anyone underage from vaping. He said it also supports the federal government's regulations to limit flavours to tobacco, mint and menthol and wants to see further restrictions, including on the size and volume of devices and addressing the 'growing online market.' 1:53 Canadian teens have highest vaping rates globally The company also said in a release that any regulations must be reviewed from an 'evidence-based scientific perspective.' Gagnon added that any regulations must be accompanied by enforcement, something he criticized the anti-tobacco groups for missing. 'Unfortunately, the health groups that spoke before believe their job is done once new regulation is introduced without any concern about the illegal market taking over,' he said. Story continues below advertisement The Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey released by Statistics Canada in September 2023 showed that nearly half of young adults aged 20-24 and one-third of 15- to 19-year-olds have tried vaping at least once. It also showed that almost 40 per cent of those 15 and older who vaped in the previous 30 days from when the survey was conducted said they had never smoked previously.
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
IMPERIAL TOBACCO CANADA SUPPORTS VAPING REGULATIONS TO PROTECT YOUTH Français
MONTREAL, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Imperial Tobacco Canada (Imperial) agrees with public health organizations highlighting the need to further address youth vaping in Canada. We share a common goal: protecting young people from vaping use while continuing to support adult smokers in their journey to quit cigarettes. Recent survey data shows that youth vaping in Canada is on the decline. This is a positive trend, but more decisive action is needed to keep the momentum going. "We agree that more must be done to restrict youth access to vaping products, and that there are too many flavoured products on the market," said Eric Gagnon, Vice President, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Imperial. "We support the proposed federal vaping regulations to restrict flavours to tobacco, menthol and mint and we believe these flavours are sufficient for adult smokers looking to quit." It is important, however, that any regulation be reviewed from an evidence-based scientific perspective; for example, as drafted, the current regulations would permit the use of several ingredients shown to be carcinogenic in vapour products. Imperial also suggest restricting the size and volume of devices, as higher puff count products can pose safety risks and may be purchased at a discount which can be more accessible to youth. The company warns that stronger enforcement is needed to uphold the law — and Quebec's recent experience has shown that without collaboration and sufficient policing of illegal products, legislating tougher rules just pushes products into the black market. We encourage governments and health groups to support a national enforcement plan, to remove illegal and non-compliant products from stores, and address the lack of compliance related to online sales. Finally, the government should allow factual communication and information to adult smokers on the health benefits of switching from cigarettes to vaping. This is crucial to further reduce smoking rates in the country. The vast majority of smokers continue to believe that vaping is as harmful as smoking which is not aligned with what credible health organizations around the world say, including Health Canada. "Imperial is eager to work with public health groups as well as the new federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to take a balanced, evidence-based approach: one that protects youth, supports adults seeking alternatives to smoking, and enforces the rules already in place," concluded Gagnon. Imperial Tobacco Canada is the leading tobacco and nicotine company in Canada, part of the global BAT group. Our mission at BAT is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by promoting a Smokeless World. We envision a future where smokeless products replace cigarettes, encouraging smokers to make a Switch to Better. SOURCE Imperial Tobacco Canada
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
STATEMENT - With new federal Health Minister installed, it's time to get to work: CMA
OTTAWA, ON, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) congratulates Canada's Minister of Health Marjorie Michel and the entire new federal cabinet on their appointments today. The CMA is eager to collaborate with Minister Michel whose years of political experience will be beneficial as we all work to improve access to care for Canadians. We welcomed the Liberals' promises on health care reform during the election campaign, which included: adding thousands of new doctors to Canada's health care system through residency positions and building new medical schools; improving access to team-based care with substantive investments; remove barriers so physicians can practise where they are needed; fast track U.S. physicians and other health providers to join Canada's health workforce; build new hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities, and help the health sector manage the impact of climate change; ensure Canadians can securely access their health data; tackle administrative burden so physicians can focus on patient care; support Indigenous-led processes for advancing self-determination in health. The hard work to shift promises to tangible solutions begins now. Canadians are counting on the new government to protect, reform, and deliver high-quality, accessible health care. The CMA is ready and eager to collaborate to make that happen. Dr. Joss Reimer President, CMA
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
SOGC Congratulates New Cabinet, Urges Action on Women's Health Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) congratulates Prime Minister and Canada's newly sworn-in Cabinet. We look forward to working with the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, to make women's health a cornerstone of Canada's future. Women's health is not a side issue — it's central to economic growth, workforce participation and national resilience. If Canada wants to unlock the full potential of its population and lead in the new economy, it must invest in the health of half its population. The SOGC is ready to help implement the government's 2025 platform commitments on women's health, including: continuing to make contraception free for all Canadian women through pharmacare; the rollout of a new national IVF program and improved postpartum and maternal care. To help fulfil the government's pledge to improve women's health data, the SOGC calls for a National Dashboard on Women's Health. Canada lacks a national framework to track key indicators like pregnancy outcomes, stillbirths, maternal mortality and chronic conditions. A dashboard developed with provinces and territories would help highlight obscured disparities and identify areas in need of targeted investment, especially for groups most often underserved in the health system, including Black and Indigenous women and newcomers to Canada. The SOGC also hopes to work with government to expand public coverage of menopause hormone therapy and reduce significant wait times for maternal care and gynaecologic and obstetric surgeries through scaled up tech-enabled care, AI solutions and pan-Canadian licensure for care providers. "We want to help build a health system that works for all women, no matter their background, income or where they live. As a trusted voice in women's health, the SOGC is eager to work alongside the new government. We're ready to bring our clinical, research and educational expertise to the table to help shape policies that truly reflect the needs and lived experiences of women across Canada." – Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
