Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness

April 17, 2015 9:18 AM

Legislation introduced today, April 17, will ban the sale of flavoured tobacco in Nova Scotia, including menthol, with minor exceptions.

"The health and safety of Nova Scotians, especially our youth, is our number one priority," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "We are banning the sale of flavoured tobacco to discourage a culture of tobacco use among Nova Scotians and protect their health."

The ban will include flavoured papers for rolling tobacco, and flavoured tobacco products that are not smoked, such as chewing tobacco and snuff. The regulations will exempt the following:

-- port, rum, wine and whiskey flavoured cigars that weigh five grams or more and cost $4 or more
-- e-cigarettes and e-juice

"While we still have concerns about e-cigarettes and e-juice, we agree with stakeholders that further regulation of these products should be done nationally by the federal government," said Mr. Glavine. "We strongly encourage our federal partners to take swift action."

The Department of Health and Wellness consulted with tobacco and e-cigarette vendors, health groups, youth and the public on flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettes from January to March. The information gathered helped determine government's direction on the products. A report of the consultation results is available on the department's website.

"We applaud government for this courageous legislation, which positions Nova Scotia as nationwide leaders in tobacco control," said Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division. "We look forward to supporting government as this important bill proceeds through the legislative process."

The legislation will come into effect May 31, at the same time as last fall's legislation that prohibits the use of e-cigarettes and waterpipes in indoor public places, bans the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, and restricts display and promotion in stores where minors are allowed.

More information about changes to the province's tobacco legislation is available at http://novascotia.ca/dhw/healthy-communities/tobacco-act-amendments.asp .