WHEREAS the introduction of new smoking products that include electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products are regulated by Heath Canada under the Food and Drugs Act, and that the sale of these products are not authorized in Canada; AND WHEREAS, due to the lack of scientific research, the long term effects of electronic cigarettes and all related products that include nicotine solutions are not known: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government regulate the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and other vaporizing systems intended to replicate the smoking experience under the British Columbia Tobacco Control Act and Regulations.
Ministry of Health British Columbias Tobacco Control Act does not apply to electronic smoking products as they do not contain tobacco. However, on June 10, 2014, the Premier included the issue of regulating electronic smoking products in a mandate letter to the Minister of Health: Your mandate for the following year is as follows: ... 12. Work with the federal government to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco to minors in British Columbia, or in the absence of a federal strategy, move to introduce legislation. Please see the link for the letter: http:www.gov.bc.capremiercabinetministersterrylakemandateletter.pdf BC is also working with the federal government on these issues. The Ministry of Health will work toward the goal outlined in the Ministers mandate letter.