in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 12 ,2 01 9 | 8 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised family of newspapers is comprised f of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca editor@oakvillebeaver.com facebook.com/OakvilleBeavfacebook.com/OakvilleBeavf @OakvilleBeaver WHO WE ARE VP, Regional Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Director of Distribution Charlene Hall Circulation Manager Kim Mossman Director of Production Mark Dills Regional Production Manager Manny Garcia Regional General Manager Steve Foreman Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane CONTACT US Oakville Beaver 901 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7R 3N8 Phone: 289-293-0617 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Digital/Flyer/Retail: 289-293-0624 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at insidehalton.com Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail kmossman@metroland.com or call 905-631-6095. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM It's time for the federal government to get over its timid- ity around regulating the vaping industry. It is no longer acceptable to take a cautious approach. That evidence is now in, and it shows that vaping can lead to serious lung disorders, and more frequent users are at greater risk. That would be bad enough if the risk was largely to the original vaping audience - adults using e-cigarettes to reduce or stop consuming combustible tobacco products. The risk for reforming smokers is real, but vaping remains preferable to continuing to smoke tobacco and inhaling the related toxins. But the growth isn't among adult smokers. Vaping rates among that group are stable. It's among kids, most of whom start vaping not to quit tobacco but because it's considered cool. One health survey of 75,000 Canadian students in Grades 9 to 12 asked about reasons for vaping. Only 4 per cent of e-cigarette users said they used them to quit smoking, another 4 per cent said they used vaping to reduce cigarette consumption - and 73 per cent said they used out of "curiosity" or "to try something new." Health Canada is now officially warning about the health risks involved with vaping. Some provinces are taking action. Ontario recently moved to ban e-cigarette advertising in convenience stores. It's a half measure at best, but it's something. But the federal government, for some reason, continues to drag its feet. Now, with the new minority government settling in and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thinking about the mandate letters (marching orders, if you prefer) he will be handing over to his ministers, is an ideal time to get very serious about regulation. An example: Legal marijuana products have to carry ingredient information. Vape products don't. That makes no sense. Also, the piecemeal approach now in place around marketing needs to evolve into a national strategy. No exceptions, no loopholes: E-cigarettes and affiliated products must never be marketed to minors, and if they are, penalties need to be stiff, public and consistent. The government should also consider lowering nicotine limits in vape products. In Britain, where e-cigarettes have a track record in reducing adult smoking, nicotine limits are lower than for North American markets. Some argue an outright ban is justifiable under the circumstances. We disagree. A ban has a certain appeal, but it's a safe bet any attempted ban would lead to a black market for vaping products. That would lead to even less control and more risk for vulnerable consumers. E-cigarettes remain a viable option for those who smoke traditional tobacco products. There's no need to overreg- ulate that part of the market. But when it comes to nicotine addiction among young consumers, we're losing the battle. The federal government will have no trouble finding allies to pass thoughtful and forceful new regulatory measures - the NDP and Greens, at minimum, would be supportive. Time to get moving before this problem escalates fur- ther. OTTAWA MUST LEAD ON E-CIGARETTE REGULATION REFORM We love our pets.We love our pets.W Whether it's dogs, cats, fish or more exotic crea-fish or more exotic crea-f tures, our pets are our companions, friends and indeed our family mem- bers. It can be hard to be- lieve, but there are people who will abuse or neglect their pets - and we need strong rules to stop this abuse. In our community, we are lucky to have animal rescue organizations like the Burlington and Oak- ville & Milton humane so- cieties. I know that these groups - like so many oth- ers - care about our pets and want to keep them safe. It's tragic that we need enforcement against animal abuse and neglect, but these rules are necessary. That's why your Onta- rio government passed a new law called the Pro- vincial Animal Welfare Services or PAWS Act. It will make Ontario a leader in protecting ani- mals. Pets, farm animals, horses and animals in zoos and aquariums would all get stronger protection. Our new model sets up a provincial enforcement team with a chief inspec- tor, local provincial in- spectors and specialized inspectors for agricul- ture, zoos, aquariums and horses. The OPP will have spe- cialized training for ani- mal welfare and we will have resources added for Crown attorneys for prosecutions. The law will also pro- vide tough penalties for abusers - up to $130,000 and a maximum of two years jail for a serious first offence - and up tofirst offence - and up tof $500,000 for a corporate serious first offence. New offences to combat dog fighting are included andfighting are included andf designated people would be allowed to enter an overheated automobile when an animal is in im- minent risk of serious risk of injury or death. Working together, weWorking together, weW can make Ontario the saf- est place in the world for pets and other animals. If you have any sugges- tions for animal welfare or want to be involved as the regulations to put this law into effect are drafted, please contact my office at 905-825- 2455. Note: If you see or hear about an animal being abused or neglected there is a number you can call: The Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). Effie Triantafilopoulos is the MPP for Oakville- North Burlington. PROTECTING OUR ANIMALS NEW ONTARIO LAW TO IMPOSE STRONGEST PENALTIES FOR ABUSERS EFFIE TRIANTAFIL- OPOULOS Column EDITORIAL