Their efforts appear to have broken through to certain representatives,
suggesting that the battle for fair regulation is far from over. In March,
at the second debate over S-5’s second reading, Senator Marc Gold
of Quebec made the following statement:
“Finally, I have concerns about how this bill will affect small and
medium-sized businesses that want to penetrate the vaping products
market, particularly with regard to the distribution of vaping liquid or
juice…I encourage the committee to look into ways that SMEs can
participate in what is and should remain a growing, viable market.”
The concerns of bodies like ECTA are being voiced and heard, but
for now, small victories remain small. S-5 must pass through a
committee stage, then a report stage, then a third reading before
Royal Assent.
Concerned vapers have reached out to their representatives online:
Sherwin Edwards of Brownsburg Chatham, Quebec, started an
e-petition currently sitting at just under 9,000 signatures to “halt
and review Bill S-5 currently making its way through the House
of Commons” and “Create a fair and logical category for vape
products apart from tobacco.” The greatest means of protection for
Canada’s vape scene lies with consumers at the grassroots level,
and there are no better methods than contacting one’s MP. As Bill
S-5 progresses, we are hopeful that Canadian vape businesses,
their consumers and allies can keep their leaders informed
and accountable.
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