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e-4734 (Health)

E-petition
Initiated by Sameer Murji from Markham, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Minister of Health

Whereas:
  • On July 18, 2023, under the Natural Health Product Regulations, Health Canada gave approval to a sister company of Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. for flavoured nicotine pouches to be sold;
  • In October 2023 Imperial Tobacco began selling nicotine pouches in Canada, using flavours Berry Frost, Chill Mint and Tropic Breeze;
  • It is completely legal for retailers to sell these nicotine pouches to children of any age;
  • Imperial Tobacco is promoting these nicotine pouches using lifestyle advertising, and in places where youth are exposed such as convenience stores, Tik Tok, and other social media platforms;
  • The increase in exposure to nicotine-based products has shown the susceptibility of youth to grow addicted to current nicotine products and new ones such as nicotine pouches which are currently trending in Canada;
  • These are oral products that do not release visible smoke like cigarettes and vapes, making them undetectable by any smoke sensors and harder for parents and teachers to catch. This will entice youths to use these more frequently compared to cigarettes and vapes; and
  • Nicotine is a highly addictive drug.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to protect youth by immediately taking action on nicotine pouches, by requiring that nicotine pouches either be sold on a prescription-only basis or that their sale be temporarily suspended until proper regulations are in place; and that no other new nicotine products be approved by Health Canada, except on a prescription-only basis, until adequate regulations are in place.
Open for signature
January 24, 2024, at 3:58 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
April 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (EDT)
Photo - Stephen Ellis
Cumberland—Colchester
Conservative Caucus
Nova Scotia