Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas takes aim at ‘youth vaping epidemic’
NDP health critic France Gélinas reintroduces a bill to ban flavored vaping products and protect youth from the health risks of nicotine addiction.Summary
Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, the NDP health critic, is urging the Ontario government to take stronger action against the rising youth vaping epidemic. Joined by health professionals and advocates, Gélinas highlighted alarming statistics, noting that over a quarter of high school-aged children in Ontario currently vape. She argued that the province is failing to protect its youth from the potential long-term damage to their lungs and brain development. Gélinas reintroduced her "Vaping is Not For Kids" bill, which includes measures such as a minimum sales age of 21, a ban on promotion, and restrictions on online sales. Health experts, including Dr. Atul Kapur of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada and representatives from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Lung Association, supported the legislation, citing the addictive nature of nicotine and the need for comprehensive restrictions similar to those already in place in Quebec. The Ontario Nurses Association also endorsed the bill for its proactive approach to public health prevention.
(Source：The North Bay Nugget)
