Health committee  I quite like the comment that a movie star made when she was being interviewed in a studio in New York. The interviewer asked her whether the substance she was breathing out was harmful. She answered, “I'm only humidifying your studio, sir”.

Health committee  You mean vaping.

Health committee  I would be lying if I said I wasn't somewhat concerned about that. That is why e-cigarettes should not be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Young people must not be encouraged to become addicted to nicotine. We would not tell a patient to drink beer or to drive their car at 150 kilometres an hour.

Health committee  Thank you.

Health committee  Yes.

Health committee  Very few studies have been done because it is such a fast-changing area. A doctor in New Zealand, Dr. Bullen, conducted a study that showed that e-cigarettes were as effective as nicotine replacement therapy. What we're seeing two or three years down the line with nicotine replacement therapies, especially over-the-counter ones, which are available without a prescription or any counselling, is that they are not very good.

Health committee  Many people are able to quit cold turkey, in other words, overnight without any medication. Patients are asked whether they smoke, and they say no. They are then asked whether they used to smoke, and if so, how long ago they quit. These types of smokers tell us that they quit overnight, just like that, 25 years ago.

Health committee  That is precisely why regulations are needed. Licensed stores with staff who are very familiar with the products should be allowed to sell e-cigarettes. Health Canada should conduct a check to confirm that the store is selling high-quality products that work properly. People are so afraid of propylene glycol, but when they go to a rock concert, the smoke surrounding the guitar player or singer on stage is actually propylene glycol.

Health committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you very much for the invitation. I didn't realize that there was such an impressive assembly. Good morning. I will be giving my presentation in English, but I believe simultaneous interpretation is available. I was told I was the only speaker for the first hour.