The New Brunswick government has introduced amendments that aim to crack down on youth vaping.
The provincial government introduced amendments this week to the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, that would mean vape shops would have to be licensed.
It would also allow the province to conduct inspections of the 40 vape shops in the province.
If passed, amendments would come into effect on Jan. 4, 2022 but vape shops would not need to be licensed until April 1, 2022.
In addition, the Department of Health is allocating funds for public education on prevention and protection to help reduce all substance use, including through vaping.
“Most tobacco use begins during adolescence, so actions to protect young people from a lifetime of nicotine addiction are critical,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard. “We must act now.”
These amendments are in line with a a commitment in the throne speech to develop a strategy to combat youth vaping.