No plans for flavoured tobacco ban in Saskatchewan
Canadian Cancer Society says province should follow other jurisdictions such as Alberta, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia made history on Sunday when it became the first jurisdiction in the world to ban flavoured tobacco products, including menthol.
Alberta and Ontario have also adopted a bans of their own.
Health ministers in both provinces said cutting out flavoured tobacco products will make youth less likely to start a smoking habit.
But there are no immediate plans for a ban in Saskatchewan. The province says it is monitoring other jurisdictions that have instituted the rule.
We have the highest youth smoking rate in Canada. What on earth are we waiting for?- Donna Pasiechnik, manager of tobacco control for the Canadian Cancer Society
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, more than half of youth tobacco users are using flavoured products. It says the Ministry of Health is not being proactive.
"While [the province] 'monitors', more kids get addicted to tobacco," said Donna Pasiechnik, manager of tobacco control for the Canadian Cancer Society.
"We have the highest youth smoking rate in Canada. What on earth are we waiting for?"
Quebec and New Brunswick have introduced bills to ban flavoured tobacco as well.
Imperial Tobacco Canada are challenging the latest decisions in court.