Federal advocates push to lower youth nicotine use to under 5 per cent by 2045
Health organizations are demanding stricter vaping measures as nicotine use surges among Canadians under 25.
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Several health organizations are urging the federal government to bring nicotine use among Canadians down to less than five per cent of the population by 2045, as vaping among youth continues to rise.
Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, calls the surge in nicotine use among those aged 25 and under a "huge concern." Published systematic reviews have shown that vaping creates a nicotine pathway in the brain, making youth more susceptible to starting smoking cigarettes.
The consensus came from a two-day roundtable on reducing tobacco and nicotine use in Canada, held ahead of World No Tobacco Day on Sunday.
On the positive side, Hagen notes that five million fewer Canadians are consuming tobacco today compared to 26 years ago — "extremely good news."
To meet the 2045 targets, Hagen is demanding stricter measures against vaping products: flavour restrictions, more prominent health warnings on packaging, and a ban on online sales. The focus on youth mirrors broader federal efforts to curb smoking, but advocates say vaping presents a distinct challenge — the nicotine hit can be stronger, and the products feel less dangerous than traditional cigarettes.