Imperial Tobacco Canada Calls for Focus on Illicit Vape Market
Imperial Tobacco Canada has responded to a press conference held by anti-smoking groups on April 17, calling for a more focused, fact-based approach to the issue of youth vaping, one that places the primary focus on the illicit market. The company stated that youth should not use nicotine products and supports robust measures to prevent underage access; however, it argued that current discussions fail to clearly distinguish between the compliant market and the illicit market, which is driving youth access to these products.
Key Points at a Glance
- Imperial Tobacco Canada responds to a press conference by anti-smoking groups, asserting that the focus regarding youth vaping should be placed on the illicit market
- The company states that youth should not use nicotine products and supports the implementation of strong measures to prevent youth access.
- The company claims that the press conference failed to clearly distinguish between the compliant market and the expanding illicit market.
- Citing data from Health Canada, Imperial notes that the non-compliance rate among inspected gas stations and convenience stores is less than 1%, whereas 43% of inspected vape shops were found to be in violation.
- The company proposes strengthening the enforcement of existing laws, cracking down on illicit supply chains, establishing national flavor regulations, and clearly distinguishing between authorized products and illicit products.
Imperial Responds to Anti-Smoking Groups on Youth Vaping
April 22, 2026. According to Central, Imperial Tobacco Canada has issued a response to a press conference held by anti-smoking groups, calling for a more focused and fact-based approach to addressing the issue of youth vaping.
Company Reaffirms Youth Should Not Use Nicotine Products
Imperial Tobacco Canada stated that there is a consensus among all parties on the core issue: youth should not use nicotine products.
The company affirmed its support for robust measures to prevent youth access, emphasizing that enforcing existing laws must be a priority.
Concerns Over Blurred Lines Between Legal and Illicit Markets
However, Imperial Tobacco Canada argued that current discussions fail to make clear distinctions and, in some instances, blur the lines between the compliant market and the expanding illicit market, the latter of which is driving youth access to these products.
Eric Gagnon, Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Imperial Tobacco Canada, stated that the flavored products cited as appealing to youth do not originate from the compliant market but instead come overwhelmingly from the illicit market, where regulations and age verification are absent.
Health Canada Data Highlights Compliance Gap
Imperial Tobacco Canada stated that the latest data from Health Canada underscores the severity of this issue.
The company noted that among the gas stations and convenience stores inspected. The non-compliance rate was less than 1%; in contrast, 43% of inspected vape shops were found to be in violation.
The company further asserted that illicit products remain widely available, particularly through online channels, often featuring nicotine levels and flavors that are prohibited in Canada.
Imperial Proposes Key Actions to Address Youth Vaping
Imperial Tobacco Canada is calling for immediate action, including:
- Enforcing existing laws against non-compliant retailers
- Strengthening enforcement across the entire supply chain
- Establishing national flavor regulations to limit youth appeal while preserving adult options
- Clearly distinguishing between authorized and illicit products
- Improving collaboration among industry, public health groups, and regulators
Enforcement and Education Seen as Critical Gaps
Gagnon stated that enforcement and education are the “missing pieces” in current efforts.
He argued that protecting youth requires prioritizing the shutdown of illicit sales and holding non-compliant actors accountable.
Imperial Tobacco Canada also noted that similar concerns apply to nicotine pouches, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between regulated and illicit products.
Call for Clear Regulations and Stronger Enforcement
The company stressed the need to enforce existing rules, eliminate illicit sales, and establish clear boundaries for flavors intended for adult users.
Gagnon added that maintaining a clear distinction between legal and illegal products is essential to protecting youth and advancing Canada toward its 2035 smoke-free goal.
Imperial Urges Collaboration on Effective Solutions
Imperial Tobacco Canada invited anti-smoking groups, public health advocates, and government authorities to move beyond rhetoric and work collaboratively on practical solutions.
The company emphasized that progress should begin with agreement on the facts, a stronger focus on the illicit market, and coordinated action to protect youth better.
