Canada's health groups demand stricter vaping rules as youth nicotine addiction soars

Health groups in Canada are pushing for tougher rules on vaping. They want flavour bans, stronger warnings and a stop to online sales. The calls come as youth nicotine use rises sharply across the country. A two-day meeting on cutting tobacco and nicotine use took place before World No Tobacco Day. Experts discussed how vaping is creating a nicotine pathway in young brains, making them more likely to start smoking cigarettes.

Les Hagen, head of Action on Smoking and Health, warned that nicotine use has surged among Canadians under 25. While tobacco use has dropped—five million fewer Canadians smoke today than 26 years ago—vaping is now the bigger concern.

Health organisations are now urging the federal government to cut nicotine use to under five per cent by 2045. They argue stricter controls on vaping products are needed to prevent a new generation from becoming addicted. The proposed measures include banning flavoured vapes, adding clearer health warnings and stopping online sales. If approved, these changes would mark the strongest action yet against youth vaping in Canada. The government has not yet announced a response.