Christian Dubé wants the opinion of the CAQ caucus before acting against vaping
(Montreal) While he already has seven recommendations from public health for two years, the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, says he wants to first consult the CAQ caucus before acting to protect young people against vaping.
UGO GIGUÈRETHE CANADIAN PRESSIn response to a question from Liberal MP Enrico Ciccone on Tuesday, the minister said he would "discuss" with his colleagues in the CAQ caucus to see "what measures will be applied in the coming weeks."
The Liberal MP for Marquette questioned the minister about a report by The Canadian Press that Quebec still has no timeline for imposing permits to sell tobacco products and vaping products in Quebec. This measure corresponds to two of the seven public health recommendations: requiring a permit to establish a register of outlets and controlling the location of outlets to keep them away from schools.
The member for Marquette said he is trying to understand "the minister's reluctance to implement the seven recommendations of the national director of public health that he has on hand" since 2020.
"Ban flavors. What do we need? To do two hours of caucus on this? " insisted Mr. Ciccone.
The Liberal critic for healthy lifestyles then launched an appeal to other elected CAQ members who want to "protect our children" by asking them to put pressure on the Minister of Health.
In response, Christian Dubé somehow admitted that he relied on caucus to make important decisions about his department and public health.
"We already took stock with the caucus, some time ago, and I think it is appropriate now to take stock especially with the new statistics that have come out," he replied.
He then recalled that the first recommendation was being implemented, namely to impose a tax on vaping products. Mr. Dubé went on to say that the process required various steps, including the establishment of a regulatory framework and sales permits.
However, the minister reiterated that the decision to intervene to ban vaping products aimed at youth, including candy flavours and attractive packaging, would be up to the CAQ caucus.
"We have implemented the first [recommendation], we will discuss with our colleagues to see, pending the application of the procedure on the tax. We will see what measures will be implemented in the coming weeks," he concluded.
Enrico Ciccone then returned to the charge, mocking: "I will help the minister in his answer. Repeat this, Mr. Minister: "I will implement the seven recommendations, quickly, for the well-being of our children in Quebec." Simply. »
Many tobacco and vaping organizations are concerned about high rates of teens reporting initiation or regular use of vaping products. It is estimated that one-third of teens in secondary 4 and 5 vape in Quebec.
UGO GIGUÈRETHE CANADIAN PRESSIn response to a question from Liberal MP Enrico Ciccone on Tuesday, the minister said he would "discuss" with his colleagues in the CAQ caucus to see "what measures will be applied in the coming weeks."
The Liberal MP for Marquette questioned the minister about a report by The Canadian Press that Quebec still has no timeline for imposing permits to sell tobacco products and vaping products in Quebec. This measure corresponds to two of the seven public health recommendations: requiring a permit to establish a register of outlets and controlling the location of outlets to keep them away from schools.
The member for Marquette said he is trying to understand "the minister's reluctance to implement the seven recommendations of the national director of public health that he has on hand" since 2020.
"Ban flavors. What do we need? To do two hours of caucus on this? " insisted Mr. Ciccone.
The Liberal critic for healthy lifestyles then launched an appeal to other elected CAQ members who want to "protect our children" by asking them to put pressure on the Minister of Health.
In response, Christian Dubé somehow admitted that he relied on caucus to make important decisions about his department and public health.
"We already took stock with the caucus, some time ago, and I think it is appropriate now to take stock especially with the new statistics that have come out," he replied.
He then recalled that the first recommendation was being implemented, namely to impose a tax on vaping products. Mr. Dubé went on to say that the process required various steps, including the establishment of a regulatory framework and sales permits.
However, the minister reiterated that the decision to intervene to ban vaping products aimed at youth, including candy flavours and attractive packaging, would be up to the CAQ caucus.
"We have implemented the first [recommendation], we will discuss with our colleagues to see, pending the application of the procedure on the tax. We will see what measures will be implemented in the coming weeks," he concluded.
Enrico Ciccone then returned to the charge, mocking: "I will help the minister in his answer. Repeat this, Mr. Minister: "I will implement the seven recommendations, quickly, for the well-being of our children in Quebec." Simply. »
Many tobacco and vaping organizations are concerned about high rates of teens reporting initiation or regular use of vaping products. It is estimated that one-third of teens in secondary 4 and 5 vape in Quebec.
