A News Release from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
Posted May 29th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates, representing Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie
QUEEN’S PARK — MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) teamed up with Health Critic MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) to take action to protect young people from the growing xxx of youth vaping by co-sponsoring and passing Bill 125, Vaping is not for kids Act, through first reading.
“I hear from parents and teachers in Niagara that they are frustrated that vaping products are being targeted to our children and teenagers.” said MPP Gates.
“We cannot sit back while more and more young people become addicted to nicotine We all are all grateful for the decades of work public health agencies have done to raise awareness of the risks of smoking – this bill is about putting making sure we are not going backwards, putting the health and well-being of kids first.”
It is continually reported over a quarter of high school aged kids in Ontario vape. In 2023, Quebec banned flavoured vaping products and limited sales of vaping products geared towards youth with animal, characters, food, and toy shapes.
“The provincial government needs to take strong action now to block industry nicotine promotion to our kids. Banning all flavours except those specifically permitted, and restricting vaping sales will help align vaping regulation with tobacco regulation,” said Gélinas.
“I don’t know a single person that wants to sit back and watch more young people become addicted to any substance, especially nicotine,” said Gates. “The legislative changes in Quebec prove that this will dramatically reduce youth vaping, so why is Ontario backing predatory vaping corporations, instead of taking this simple solution that we know work?” said Gates.
Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act (Vaping is not for Kids) was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on May 27.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES:
“Vaping doesn’t just affect the person using it. It creates environmental waste, spreads addiction among youth, and exposes developing brains and lungs to harmful chemicals. Protecting young people and the environment means taking vaping seriously.” – Janice Rutgers, Executive Director at Community Addiction Services of Niagara
“Heart & Stroke strongly supports the Vaping is Not for Kids Act and its comprehensive approach to addressing youth vaping. Vaping remains a significant public health concern, with the highest rates among young people under 25. This is particularly concerning given that the human brain continues to develop until this age, and nicotine exposure can impair that development. Evidence also links vaping to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and mental health issues. Measures such as banning online sales, restricting flavours, and raising the legal age of purchase to 21 are evidence-based and will play a critical role in protecting the health of young people in Ontario.” – Lesley James, Director for Health Policy and Systems, Heart & Stroke
“The Canadian Lung Association applauds the reintroduction of the Vaping is Not for Kids Bill, which delivers critical, overdue protections for young people against the dangers of vaping. Nicotine is highly addictive, and the rise of youth vaping poses an immediate threat to an entire generation of healthy lungs. Our mandate has always been to ensure that every Canadian can breathe free—and preventing youth nicotine dependency is absolutely central to that mission.” – Sarah Butson, CEO of the Canadian Lung Association
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