Saskatchewan in no hurry to ban menthol tobacco

SASKATOON – Saskatchewan’s health minister says the Wall government is in no hurry to ban menthol-flavoured tobacco, including cigarettes. Dustin Duncan says he wants to see how bans designed to protect the health of young people work in other provinces before considering whether Saskatchewan will take action.

The Canadian Cancer Society says so far six provinces have brought forward legislation to ban menthol, including Alberta.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Sign up for weekly health newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Saskatchewan pressured to ban sale of menthol cigarettes

The society says one-third of youth smokers use menthol cigarettes compared with only one in 20 adults.

Earlier this week, Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose said Saskatchewan was very resistant to imposing a national ban on menthol-flavoured cigarettes.

READ MORE: Federal government won’t regulate menthol, but health minister supports ban

Duncan disagrees with her assessment, and says Saskatchewan would abide by a federal ban if Ottawa chooses to impose one.