Starting July 1, 2024, vaping in Canada will become more expensive due to a federal tax increase on vaping products. This change, introduced in the recent federal budget, aims to curb the high vaping rates among Canadian youth. The new tax will raise the price of vape pods by approximately 12 to 24 cents each, varying by location. The government expects this measure to generate around $310 million over the next five years.
Health experts have mixed reactions to the tax increase. Some believe it will help reduce vaping rates, while others argue it isn’t sufficient and may push some users towards traditional cigarettes. To mitigate this potential shift, the government has also raised the excise tax on tobacco products, increasing the tax on a carton of cigarettes by $5.49 from April 2024.
Critics, including some public health experts, argue that the tax on vaping products could have unintended consequences, such as driving users to seek unregulated alternatives or even return to smoking. Additionally, advocacy groups like Rights4Vapers warn that such measures could significantly impact the vaping market and increase cigarette consumption.
Overall, this tax increase is part of a broader strategy to reduce smoking and vaping rates in Canada, alongside new health initiatives funded by the additional tax revenue.
