National representatives speak to Senate committee in support of vaping as harm reduction tool

Canadian Vaping Association supports government's science-based approach

OTTAWA, April 6, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) was on Parliament Hill today in support of Bill S-5 – An Act to amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-Smokers' Health Act. Representatives from CVA underscored the importance of including e-cigarette-specific amendments to this bill during a presentation before the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI).

Senator Chantal Petitclerc, sponsor of Bill S-5, has said that "this bill strikes a balance between the harms from vaping products if they entice youth to develop a nicotine addiction and the public health benefit if they contribute to reducing tobacco-related death and disease. This is why the government is proposing a flexible regime, one that can be adjusted as the science on vaping products develops." CVA endorses the government's science-based approach.

Ms. Shai Sinnis, CVA Board Member, spoke on behalf of the organization at today's committee hearing about the benefits of electronic cigarettes, namely the progress e-cigarette use has made toward providing a less harmful alternative to smoking. Sinnis also addressed key components of Bill S-5 that should be considered. CVA's sister organization, the Electronic Cigarette Trade Association of Canada, also presented to SOCI.

"Based on our continued review of the growing body of evidence, including qualified literature, studies and research on vaping, the CVA is convinced that vaping is a less harmful choice than smoking," Sinnis stated. "It has the potential to dramatically reduce disease - and ultimately, death - caused by smoking."

The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) is a national, not-for-profit organization established in 2014. The CVA was founded to represent an emerging industry in Canada, the many business people looking to succeed in that industry, and the thousands of Canadians for whom vaping became a life-saving alternative to smoking.

SOURCE Canadian Vaping Association (CVA)

Lisa Kinsella, [email protected], 416-319-1023 (cell)