The Executive Director of the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco is urging a cautious approach as government weighs the possible benefits of imposing a lifetime ban on the purchase of tobacco products for those born after a certain date.
The provincial government is holding virtual public consultations this week as it contemplates making the necessary legislative changes.
According to government, statistics show 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.
It’s a move that’s also being considered in other jurisdictions.
Kevin Coady says it’s not something that ACT has been calling for, and he’s not sure it will make a difference in preventing young people from getting hooked on smoking.
“I’m not a believer that an age change will make a big difference,” Coady told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly. He says young people have “always been able to find the products they want, regardless of the age limit.” He’s not sure if changing the age limit is the answer.
Coady says ACT believes education makes the difference in preventing young people from picking up smoking.