Youth group proud that smoking and vaping legislation passed

A group advocating against smoking and vaping by youths is happy with new legislation in Saskatchewan that increased the age to purchase the products to 19.

Three students were at the Saskatchewan Legislature representing their group called Youth4Change, which started in 2018 in partnership with Lung Saskatchewan. The group represents students all over Saskatchewan.

Darshana (the students’ last names weren’t provided to the media) said the passing of the legislation makes all their hard work worth it.

“It feels really good. We’re very excited about this change. We’re so proud of the work that we’ve done and we’re so energized to continue this,” she said.

She thinks this legislation sends a message to youth.

“I think it’s definitely a start. I think social changes happens through legislation. It reflects what Saskatchewan prioritizes and we prioritize the lung health of young people so I think that youth will take that into consideration,” said Darshana.

The Youth4Change representatives who spoke to the media. From left to right: Lydia, Darshana and Cordelia. Cordelia said a lot of youth feel peer pressure to start vaping. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Lydia is a teen who used to vape. She said the group still has more advocating to do.

“We do know that there is effects on your (brain) development until you are 25. So I think increasing (the legal age) could help with that, but raising it to 19 is a start,” said Lydia.

She said raising the age to 19 will help keep vapes out of schools, explaining that vaping is very prevalent in schools and among youth.

“This will make it less accessible for those in high schools. The Grade 12s will not be able to buy it for the younger peers,” she said.

Lydia started vaping when she was around 13. The vape was sold to her in a shop and the employee did not ask to see her ID.

She started because her friend had a raspberry-flavoured vape. Lydia tried it and enjoyed the flavour, becoming addicted to nicotine in the process.

The group also wants to ban flavoured vapes.

“Flavours are a major issue. That’s why most youth start vaping and continue to vape,” Lydia said.

Lydia quit when she was 17. She said she feels much better now.

“I’m happy to be here with Youth4Change advocating. Vaping was a major issue in my life. My life has very much improved since I’ve quite vaping,” she said.

The youths aren’t the only ones pleased with the passing of the legislation. A local shop owner is also happy to see the age increase.

Health Minister Everett Hindley is thankful to the youth group and its representatives for going to the Legislative Building, saying it’s something they’ve been advocating for for quite some time now.

“I’m glad to see this move through all stages here today,” said Hindley.

The legislation, which was supported by the opposition NDP, was introduced and passed Wednesday.

Health Minister Everett Hindley was happy to have a youth group at the Legislative Building advocating for other youth about smoking and vaping. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME)

Hindley said the legislation aligns with the current age for alcohol and cannabis.

“We did extensive consultation with a number of groups across the province. This is an important day for helping to address youth smoking and vaping rates in our province,” he said.

As for increasing age limits for other things like driving, it is not something the government is currently looking into.