QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Nicotine Products
December 10, 2025
Senator Moreau, I’m thinking of our former colleague, the Honourable Judith Seidman, as I ask this question today. When she retired, she entrusted me with the mission of continuing to ask questions on this important issue.
In 2024, the federal government restricted the sale of nicotine pouches so that they could only be sold in pharmacies to people aged 18 and over who are trying to quit smoking. Of course, part of the reason for this government action was to protect young people.
Last week, a CBC News investigation revealed that these outlawed nicotine pouches, in high dosages and fruit flavours, are still readily available in corner stores across Canada.
On November 28, 2023, in Question Period, the Government Representative in the Senate assured us that Health Canada was very serious about —
I’m sorry, Senator Petitclerc.
I did hear your question.
The issue has indeed been raised with Health Canada. I’m told that Health Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that the provisions prohibiting the sale of these pouches anywhere but in pharmacies are enforced. Obviously, I will pass on your question to the people at Health Canada.
You’re probably aware that steps have been taken to ensure that these pouches are commercially unattractive, because we know that they can cause serious health problems, especially for young Canadians. I’m told that steps are being taken to have these products removed from any stores that are selling these pouches illegally. I’ll pass on your concerns and those of our former colleague.
Thank you.
I’d also like you to convey my wish that Canada become a leader on this issue. Consider France, for example, which decided that nicotine pouches, as well as oral nicotine gums and lozenges, would be completely banned as of March 2026. Maybe we shouldn’t restrict ourselves to following our own rules. Maybe we should follow the rules of bolder countries, too.
I’ll certainly pass on the information that you just gave us to Health Canada. I assume that they’re aware of what other governments can do. I’ll also convey my personal wishes by adding that, in my opinion, drawing inspiration from the best is always a good example to follow.
