To: Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta
From: Alberta Parents for Stronger Vaping Restrictions
Re: Bill 208 and the rules that affect our kids
This is an open letter from a coalition of Alberta parents, caregivers, educators, and community supporters. It does not represent the views of any government body or political party.
Where we stand
- We support Bill 208.
- We ask MLAs to protect the youth-facing provisions of the bill through committee review.
- We ask that the bill be paired with enforcement funding, not just new text in the statute book.
- We ask for a short, public, plain-language report three years after the bill takes effect.
Why we are writing
We have spent many evenings around our own kitchen tables and at school council meetings talking about vaping. We have read Alberta's Tobacco and Vaping Reduction Strategy. We have read the Canadian Paediatric Society's position. We have read Health Canada's prevention guidance.
The consistent message is that flavours, designs, and easy access shape youth uptake. Bill 208 is a chance to update Alberta's rules to match that evidence.
What we hope you will keep in mind
We know there are different views in your caucuses. Our request is narrow: please do not weaken the youth-facing parts of Bill 208 in committee, and please make sure the enforcement framework already summarized on the Alberta site is funded to keep pace with the new rules.
We are not asking for prohibition of adult products. We are asking for the rules around our kids to be brought up to date.
We thank you for your time and would be glad to share supporting references on request.