New law will hold vape manufacturers accountable for public health costs

The Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, introduced in British Columbia on October 8, 2025, seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for deceptive practices that endanger public health. This pioneering legislation allows the provincial government to take legal action against companies that mislead consumers about vaping products, particularly affecting youth. Attorney General Niki Sharma highlighted the increasing pressure on healthcare and education systems due to these harmful practices. The law complements ongoing public education initiatives about the risks of vaping and offers resources for quitting nicotine. It aims to recover public health costs linked to vaping-related diseases and injuries.

British Columbia's approach reflects its previous successful efforts to hold tobacco and opioid manufacturers accountable for their products' harm. The province recently received a nearly $1 billion payment from tobacco litigation, showcasing the potential financial impact of such legislation. Additionally, the government is exploring similar measures regarding harmful chemicals, committing to corporate accountability in health matters.