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Health

Question period touched on two health topics. The NDP asked why flavoured vaping products have not been banned, saying the Liberals promised a ban five years ago, the regulations are drafted, and evidence shows flavour bans reduce youth vaping; a Liberal member said youth vaping is a serious issue and pointed to public education and enforcement against companies exploiting loopholes. The NDP also raised a constituent with a vaccine injury who was approved for $26,000 in medical and home support costs but has not been reimbursed and is being evicted, asking for a way to handle urgent cases; a Liberal member said the vaccine injury support program is meant to help Canadians and that the Public Health Agency of Canada took over administering it in April to deliver support while spending public money responsibly.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Gord Johns

NDP
“The Liberals promised five years ago to ban flavoured vapes that attract kids. The rules are written, and evidence shows these bans work. I want to know who is stopping the rules and when the government will finally ban these flavours.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, five years ago, the Liberals promised to ban flavoured vaping products that appeal to youth. Health Canada drafted the regulations years ago, and evidence from Canada, Quebec and the Netherlands shows that flavour bans can reduce youth vaping without increasing smoking rates, yet shelves remain stocked with bubble gum-flavoured, cotton candy-flavoured, berry-flavoured, mango-flavoured and watermelon-flavoured products designed to attract young people and increase the risk of nicotine addiction. The evidence is clear and the regulations are ready. Who is blocking these regulations, and when will the Liberal government finally ban these youth-targeted flavoured vaping products?

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Maggie Chi

Liberal
“Vaping among young people is a serious health problem. We are educating the public and enforcing the rules to stop companies from getting kids hooked.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 45 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, my friend and colleague across the aisle works extremely hard, and I really enjoy our conversations about health in the House. Vaping, especially among youth, is a very serious public health issue, and we need to make sure that the vaping industry is not exploiting grey areas that make it easier for Canadian youth to get hooked. We will continue to work to prevent youth vaping, which is why we are enhancing public education and strengthening compliance with, and enforcement of, existing rules. We will continue to work with members in the House on this important issue.

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Jenny Kwan

NDP

Linked statement

“A disabled man in my riding was promised $26,000 for medical costs, but the government has not paid him. He is broke and losing his home. I want the minister to create a way to help urgent cases like this right now.”
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, my constituent suffered a debilitating vaccine injury. He is in constant pain and permanently disabled. Oxaro approved his $26,000 medical and home support costs back in February. He has yet to be reimbursed. He is now broke and being evicted. The health minister says to contact the Public Health Agency of Canada. PHAC says it is in transition and will not even look at the file until July. This is unacceptable. My constituent will be homeless and may not survive if he does not get help now. Will the minister immediately put in place a system to address urgent cases?

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Maggie Chi

Liberal
“Our program helps Canadians hurt by vaccines. The government took over running it in April to make sure it helps people and spends public money wisely.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 39 of 100

    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, the vaccine injury support program was created to support vulnerable Canadians, and starting in April, the Public Health Agency of Canada started administrating the program to ensure that it delivers for Canadians who need it, while ensuring taxpayers’ dollars are being spent appropriately. I look forward to working with that member on issues that impact her constituents.

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