By Todd Stone Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Kamloops: BC Liberal MLA Todd Stone is recognizing the government’s newly announced action plan to protect B.C. youth from the effects of vaping.

“It is encouraging to see the government recognizing vaping as a major health issue,” says Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson. “After months of calling for aggressive action to combat youth vaping in B.C. and the introduction of my Private Member’s Bill on the issue last spring, it is reassuring to see the government finally taking my concerns — and those of medical professionals and parents across the province — seriously.”

Studies show an alarming amount of Canadian youth are regularly vaping and there is an increasing body of evidence linking vaping to several dangerous and harmful acute health impacts — some which are known to be fatal. As a result, many Canadian municipalities and U.S. states have started taking aggressive measures to curb youth vaping.

Following today’s announcement, Stone suggested he is still looking for a full ban of flavoured vaping products and will be very closely monitoring their education campaign.

“It will be critical moving forward that their education campaign is evidence-based and well-funded to ensure we see the results we need, which is fewer kids vaping,” concluded Stone. “While I would have liked to see the government acting on this issue months ago, the steps that they are now taking will go a long way to protecting the health and wellness of youth in this province.”