Latest news with #MarkHolland
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.
Toronto Sun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Former Toronto deputy mayor to join Liberals in Ottawa
Liberal candidate Jennifer McKelvie Former Toronto deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvie appeared on track to trade her office at City Hall for a government seat in the House of Commons. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Toronto councillor, who decided more than a month ago to run in Ajax for the Liberal Party seat vacated by incumbent Mark Holland, was ahead of Conservative Greg Brady in the early going. McKelvie, who has been on Toronto city council city since first elected in 2018, took a leave of absence from City Hall, where she represented the Ward 25 area of Scarborough-Rouge Park. Last canvass of the campaign. Thank you to all our beautiful volunteers who braved the cold, sleet, rain and sunshine. It's been a priviledge to meet so many residents and share our plan to Build Canada Strong - make sure to get out and vote Monday. — Jennifer McKelvie (@votemckelvie) April 28, 2025 Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. During her time on council, she filled in as mayor for a brief stint in 2023 — from February to July — after John Tory stepped aside, citing personal relationship reasons. Brady, who took a leave of absence from his job as morning host of AM640, said people didin't want a carbon tax for home heating or at the pumps, a capital gains tax, or the homeless sleeping in tents. Recommended video On his X account on Monday, he posted a brief video message urging people to get out to vote. 'I'm excited, you're probably excited. This is what you waited for, this is what you asked for,' said Brady in the video. 'A chance to change the last 10 years. The lost Liberal decade.' Today is the the start of this campaign, one message has been clear: Canadians want change.✅ You want your hard-earned dollars to go further.✅ You want safer streets and parks for your kids and grandkids.✅ You want a self-reliant economy. ✅ You want seniors… — Greg Brady (@gregbradyajax) April 28, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. McKelvie recently posted to X site while campaigning. 'Last canvass of the campaign. Thank you to all our beautiful volunteers who braved the cold, sleet, rain and sunshine.' The area — previously Ajax-Pickering — had been held by Holland, who first joined the Liberals back in 2004, losing his seat in 2011 to Conservative Chris Alexander. Holland returned to power in 2015 when Justin Trudeau defeat defeated then-prime minister Stephen Harper. Federal Elections Federal Elections News World Canada
Cision Canada
28-04-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Convenience Store Operators Applaud Conservative Commitment to End Pharmacy-Only Rule for Nicotine Pouches
TORONTO, April 28, 2025 /CNW/ - As Canadians cast their ballots today, independent convenience store operators across the country are welcoming the Conservative Party of Canada's 1 pledge to end the pharmacy-only restriction on nicotine pouch sales — a decision that will directly help thousands of small businesses and support public health efforts to help smokers quit. The United Korean Canadian Industry Association (UKCIA), representing thousands of independent convenience stores, praised the Conservative commitment to restore the ability of corner stores to sell regulated, approved nicotine pouches — reversing a controversial decision made in 2024 by then-Health Minister Mark Holland. "We applaud the Conservative Party for recognizing the critical role that independent convenience stores play in serving their communities," said Kenny Shim, President of the UKCIA. "Convenience stores have a proven track record of responsibly selling age-restricted products. This commitment would allow us to once again offer smokers a safer, regulated option in a convenient location where they already shop." The previous ban pushed some consumers to purchase pouches from the black market, purchasing products that are unregulated, untaxed and potentially dangerous. This action jeopardized public safety, and cost small retailers millions in lost revenue. Most impacted were the thousands of convenience stores owned and operated by hardworking New Canadians — small family businesses operating in every city, town, and rural community across Canada. Today, the UKCIA is also calling on the Liberal Party of Canada to match the Conservative commitment and pledge to reverse Minister Holland's flawed decision. "Helping small businesses should not be a partisan issue. Supporting public health should not be a partisan issue," said Shim. "We urge Mr. Carney and the Liberal Party to show that they too support hardworking small business owners and adult smokers trying to quit, by matching the Conservative commitment." The UKCIA and its members are encouraging all their customers to vote today. We look forward to working with whichever party forms government after today and are committed to collaborating on smart policies that support public health, consumer safety, and Canada's small business economy.
Cision Canada
25-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada's Corner Store Owners Call on Federal Leaders: Stop Ignoring Us
Hardworking New Canadians Forgotten in Election. TORONTO, April 25, 2025 /CNW/ - As federal leaders crisscross the country for votes, one critical community is being left out of the conversation: Canada's convenience store operators, many of whom are new Canadians and frontline workers in every neighbourhood. The ban on convenience stores selling regulated, and approved nicotine pouches is just the latest blow to these small businesses. Beyond regulatory hurdles at home, Canada's corner store operators are now grappling with the ripple effects of U.S. tariffs on goods commonly stocked in local shops. With profit margins already razor-thin, these added costs, passed down through supply chains, are squeezing small business owners even further. As essential consumer products become more expensive to stock and sell, many retailers are facing difficult decisions about staffing, hours of operation, and even long-term viability. The lack of federal recognition for these challenges adds insult to injury. In 2024, then-Health Minister Mark Holland issued a directive banning the sale of nicotine pouches in convenience stores. The move was widely condemned by both retailers and consumers. "This decision didn't help smokers quit — it drove them into the arms of the black market, where unregulated and untaxed products now thrive," said Kenny Shim, spokesperson for the United Korean Canadian Industry Alliance (UKCIA), the largest independent convenience store association in Canada. "Meanwhile, honest, hard-working retailers — many of them immigrant entrepreneurs — have lost millions in revenue and are being punished for doing things right." added Shim Canada's 9,000+ independent c-stores serve communities in every province and have long been trusted to responsibly sell age-restricted products like tobacco, alcohol, and lottery tickets. "We have a solid record on ID checks and compliance. Our members follow the rules. Yet for years, our sector has been ignored by Ottawa — particularly on the growing problem of illicit trade," said Shim. Earlier this year, convenience store operators welcomed commitments from members of the Conservative Party to reverse Minister Holland's decision if elected. Now, with the federal election just days away, the sector is turning to Prime Minister Mark Carney — should he form government — to reverse the decision in order to help these small business owners stay afloat in these increasingly difficult economic times. "We're family-run, community-based businesses doing our best to stay afloat," said Shim. "Mr. Carney, if you truly care about small business, don't forget the convenience store operator in your riding and across Canada. Reversing this ban would strengthen our stores and deal a serious blow to the black market. And you can trust us to keep these products out of the hands of minors — just like we do every single day." Independent convenience store operators across Canada stand ready to work with whomever forms the next government — and are eager to collaborate on policies that support public health and Canada's small business economy.
Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Telegraph
Maths teacher asked Muslim pupil if she had bomb under hijab
A maths teacher who asked a Muslim student if she had a bomb under her hijab has been allowed to continue teaching. The remark was one of a string of offensive comments made by Mark Holland towards his pupils at Great Academy Ashton, Greater Manchester. During a lesson in December 2022, Mr Holland approached a Year 10 student with a bun hairstyle under her hijab. He asked her: 'Do you have a bomb in there?', which was heard by two other students. Mr Holland also continually called the Muslim girl a nun for the way she looked. On another occasion he told a student: 'In 10 years time when we meet again you're gonna have nine kids to nine different dads.' A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel also found he called students in the school's classrooms and corridors a 'dumb blonde', 'hideous' and 'a football girl'. In a separate incident Mr Holland drove out of school and stopped next to a boy and a girl walking home. He asked the boy: 'Is this your girlfriend?' When he replied yes, he said: 'You could have done better,' before driving off. Another time when one student said a fellow pupil looked like a James Bond character, Mr Holland replied: 'You mean Jaws?' 'Insensitive and inappropriate' The panel found the remarks, made towards Year 7 to Year 11 pupils between March and December 2022, were not racially or sexually motivated. They said Mr Holland was attempting to 'build a rapport' with the students, but that his comments were 'insensitive and inappropriate'. Mr Holland left Great Academy Ashton in September 2023, but has not been banned from teaching. The TRA panel said: 'Mr Holland's actions were not deliberate in that he did not intend to be malicious or unkind to pupils. 'The panel concluded that Mr Holland misjudged the content of the conversations he was having as a way to build a rapport with pupils. 'We considered the conduct of Mr Holland was insensitive and inappropriate and fell short of the standards of behaviour expected of a teacher.' Mr Holland had been teaching for more than 15 years and previously had a good history. A colleague said: 'Mark is a thoroughly professional teacher with an ability to captivate and inspire with his skills in communicating complex mathematical ideas to learners at all levels.' The panel, led by Sarah Buxcey, concluded that 'a prohibition order is not proportionate or in the public interest', and added: 'The publication of the findings made would be sufficient to send an appropriate message to the teacher as to the standards of behaviour that were not acceptable.' Great Academy Ashton's most recent Ofsted report in 2023 said the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes and leadership and management, all require improvement. It said: 'The majority of pupils who communicated with inspectors feel safe at the school but they said that the conduct of the minority makes some pupils feel unsafe at times.'
