Virtual consultations will take place this week on proposed changes that would impose a lifetime ban on purchasing tobacco products for people born after a certain date.

The provincial government is considering the changes based on statistics showing that the peak age at which people usually pick up smoking is between 15 and 17 and the likelihood that a person will start smoking drops considerably after the age of 16.

Other jurisdictions are considering similar legislation including PEI.

The UK House of Commons recently approved a similar bill banning tobacco sales for life to anyone born in 2009 or later.

Virtual public consultations on the province’s proposed legislative amendments will take place this Thursday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Information on the proposed changes can be online.