Alberta Implements New Vape Tax Amid Calls for Federal Action on Flavours
A new tax on vaping products is now in effect across Alberta, aimed at curbing the use of e-cigarettes, or vapes, among youth. The levy, introduced on January 1, adds $1.12 for every 2 mL of vape liquid sold, with an additional $1.12 for amounts over 10 mL.
The provincial government says the tax is part of a broader effort to discourage vaping, particularly among teenagers. According to Canada’s Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, nearly 70 per cent of Canadian youth aged 15 to 19 reported using e-cigarettes within the past 30 days.
While Alberta has taken steps to address vaping, flavoured vape products — often criticized for their appeal to minors — remain widely available in Canada, except in Quebec. This is despite a 2021 federal promise to restrict flavoured nicotine products, a measure that has yet to be implemented.