The new legislation bans the sale of flavored tobacco products. This includes menthol enhanced cigarettes. The law also raises penalties for selling tobacco to minors. It also takes on the growth of e-cigarettes, by regulating the sale and use of the e-cig products.
Associate Health Minister Dipika Damerla told The Star that the new law will “lower smoking rates and fight obesity.”
In addition, the new Act places an onus on chain restaurants to list calorie counts on their menus and menu boards. This applies to outlets selling prepared food at 20 or more locations in Ontario.
Commenting on the new legislation, George Habib, president and CEO of the Ontario Lung Association said: “This legislation is a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to protect the health of current and future generations of young Ontarians.” He also added that “smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death in Ontario. We look forward to working with the government on new policies to improve the lung health of all Ontarians.”
In related news, Ontario has announced that it will instigate a so-called “cap-and-trade” system on carbon emissions from businesses.