TORONTO, April 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Thousands of protestors from across Ontario will gather at Queen's Park on Saturday, April 9th to challenge the Kathleen Wynne government's decision to include vaping as part of the government's anti-smoking agenda. Bill 45 – Schedule 3 The Electronic Cigarette Act – incorrectly associates vapor with tobacco, prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in public spaces, workplaces and designated outdoor areas. The protest is being organized by Vapor Advocates of Ontario and is a follow up to December 5th, 2015 protest.
Vapor Advocates of Ontario criticizes the Wynne Government for violating the constitutional rights of Ontarians who use vaping as a smoking cessation strategy as well as shop owners who wish to promote and educate customers on the safe use of vape-related products inside their own commercial spaces through sampling. Advocates are asking the government for an exemption to the damaging, and counter-productive requirements that stems from equating vaping with smoking. By arbitrarily force-fitting vapor with combustibles like tobacco, Wynne is stigmatizing a proven harm reduction strategy for people looking to curb their smoking habit. It is estimated that over 100,000 Canadians have quit smoking cigarettes through vaping, but the Wynne Government forbids small business owners from promoting the cessation benefits to customers.
"Vapor Advocates of Ontario is a grass roots advocacy group comprised of consumers and business owners who want the government to support their constitutional right to use and sell vaping products in a safe and effective manner" said Charlie Pisano, VAO spokesperson and Ontario vape shop owner.
Event Details:
SOURCE Vapor Advocates of Ontario
Image with caption: "Vapor Advocates of Ontario (CNW Group/Vapor Advocates of Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160406_C1639_PHOTO_EN_659100.jpg
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Maria Papaioannoy, [email protected], 647- 407-7206
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