The Vapour Advocates of Ontario (VAO) is a grassroots movement formed after the threat of harsh and unfair regulations threatened the future of vaping in this province. We are vape shop owners, e-liquid manufacturers and vapers who believe that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking. But most of all we are former smokers who turned to vaping as a way to improve the quality of our health.

There are approximately 900,000 vapers in Ontario and thousands more employed by the industry either in vape shops, distribution companies or e-liquid manufacturers. As the number of vapers in this province rises, the number of smokers declines which means a healthier population and a fewer number of people who are exposed to the toxic chemicals found in combustible tobacco products.

• Vaping isn't smoking and shouldn't be regulated the same way as tobacco products.
• Vaping is 95 per cent safer than smoking and even Health Canada has now confirmed vaping is a safer alternative to combustible tobacco products.
• VAO has a zero tolerance policy against the sale or marketing of vapor products to minors.
• The sale of vapor products should be restricted to specialty vape shops where consumers can get expert advice on products and device safety.
• The Ontario vape industry has done an outstanding job self regulating to ensure its products are restricted to adults and consumers are given a proper education on the safe use of e-cigarettes.