May 3, -- Taste is not the reason young people vaped, according to the Canadian e-Cigarette Association.

Recent claims by health advocates that flavored e-cigarettes are to blame for the increase in teen vaping are unfounded and lack proper context. The real problem is the lack of enforcement against illegal trade and individuals buying goods for minors. There is a direct correlation between e-cigarette adoption and a sharp decline in smoking rates.

Surveys consistently found that young people use e-cigarettes primarily for curiosity, nicotine and to cope with stress and anxiety. That may be why there is no data to support the effect of flavor bans on teen vaping. Any data that suggests a taste ban might be effective is based entirely on theoretical research.

Organizations such as the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) continue to educate elected members of parliament about the benefits of smoking and supporting small businesses. CVA welcomes meaningful direct dialogue with health organizations to develop common-sense policies that protect the health outcomes of youth and millions of Canadian smokers.

"CVA stands by its position that taste is not the reason young people use e-cigarettes. The issue is the sale of e-cigarette products to minors through black market and straw sales. The industry takes a proactive approach, implementing stringent age verification measures for our members and actively working with law enforcement to prevent such sales."

"I will be contacting all health advocacy groups and inviting them to form a working group. Our intention is to work together to address these complex issues and find practical solutions." Darryl Tempest, government relations adviser to the CVA Council, says Canadians deserve to have all stakeholders work together to improve public health.

The health and well-being of our young people is of Paramount importance. However, many health organizations fail to properly weigh the impact of these policies on the health of adults who smoke. The CVA strongly believes that policy must be evidence-based and take into account the interests of all stakeholders.

The CVA encourages health organizations to work with industry leaders and regulators to find common-sense policies to protect our youth while supporting health outcomes for adults struggling with tobacco addiction. CVA remains committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue and finding solutions that work for all Canadians.