Alberta Canada Introduces New Tax on Vaping Products, Matching Federal Rates

Alberta new tax vaping products

As of January 1, 2025, Albertans face higher costs for vaping products due to the introduction of a new provincial tax. The tax, which matches existing federal rates, adds $1.12 per 2 ml of vaping fluid for the first 10 ml, and an additional $1.12 for every 10 ml thereafter.

Edmonton vape store owners, such as Jennifer Rodriguez, director and co-owner of Planet of Vapes, express frustration with the new tax. Rodriguez reports that Ontario, which implemented a similar tax in the summer of 2024, has already experienced a 30% decline in sales.

While agreeing with the need to curb youth vaping, Rodriguez believes that more enforcement and education for vape store owners would be a more effective solution than increased taxes. “The government needs to have proper measures to enforce shops, making sure that they are ID-ing properly, that they’re taking all precautions, that they’re not breaking the rules. If all the shops buckle down, ID everyone and be really strict about it. I think that’s the solution,” she explained.

Anti-smoking and youth vaping advocates, however, applaud the province’s decision to introduce the vape tax. Les Hagen, executive director of Action on Smoking Health, cites data proving that taxes effectively reduce consumption, especially among youth. “On tobacco, for every 10 per cent increase in the price of tobacco products, there is a corresponding 4 per cent reduction in consumption. But that effect is two to three times higher in youth, because they have limited disposable income,” Hagen stated.

Rodriguez expresses concern about the impact of higher taxes on her business and customers. To cover operating costs, her store may need to increase prices, potentially making products less affordable for consumers.

As Alberta implements this new tax on vaping products, the province joins the federal government in its efforts to address the growing concern of youth vaping. While opinions differ on the most effective approach, both vape store owners and anti-smoking advocates share the common goal of protecting young people from the potential harms associated with vaping.

Matthew Ma
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