The Newfoundland government introduced a new sin tax on all vapour products on January 1, 2021.  The tax increase of 23% (20% + HST) now puts vaping products at an alarming 38% provincially.

Cigarette tax revenue in Newfoundland and Labrador has almost decreased by 25% since vape shops appeared in this province and have been on a steady decline. There is a direct correlation between vaping and cigarette consumption - when one increases, the other decreases.  Nova Scotia recently implemented a tax on vapour products a few months ago and there has already been an alarming increase in the sale of combustible cigarettes.

Smokers have been vilified for their addiction and making the switch to vaping has not decreased the abuse.  Addiction to nicotine is a serious problem in this province. 1 in 2 smokers will prematurely die from the toxins they consume in a traditional cigarette.  Smoking rates are higher in lower socioeconomic settings and these people are at a much higher risk to returning to smoking when taxes increase.

We are talking about the health of adult smokers and their access to alternatives that may save many lives.  Royal College of Physicians state that vaping is AT LEAST 95% safer than smoking cigarettes - yet the Newfoundland government will be taxing vaping at a similar rate than traditional cigarettes.

It's ignorant and dangerous.

Demand that the government repeal this unfair tax immediately.  We are a big community in this province.  We vape, we vote!  Let them know that we will remember what they have done.

Minister of Finance: Siobhan Coady, (709) 729-3775, financeminister@gov.nl.ca

Contact the Minister or your local MHA and let them know that this tax will ultimately lead to more smoking, and in turn, to more deaths of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.