This release was issued under a previous government.

“These changes include the strictest ban on flavoured tobacco in Canada. More than half of young tobacco users are using flavoured tobacco. By restricting access to these products, we can reduce use among youth and help our children stay healthy. Reducing the exposure of children to tobacco and reducing the overall use of tobacco products will have positive outcomes across all areas of health care.”

Stephen Mandel, Minister of Health

The amendments to the Tobacco Reduction Act and Tobacco Reduction Regulation will be phased-in over time. Starting immediately, the legislation will:

  • Ban smoking in vehicles with minors present; and
  • Prohibit the selling, giving, lending or supplying of tobacco products to minors, similar to federal legislation.

Starting June 1, 2015, the legislation will:

  • Require minimum pack sizes for specific tobacco products – this will eliminate smaller, more affordable options; and,
  • Ban certain flavoured tobacco products.

Each year, tobacco use is linked to about 3,000 deaths in Alberta. It is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada.