Tougher smoking laws on the way in Quebec

The Couillardgovernmentplans to table a bill next week that would crack down on new forms of smoking in the province, Radio-Canada/CBC has learned.

Under the proposed bill, e-cigarettes would be subject to the Tobacco Act, meaning their use would be regulated by the same rules that apply to traditional tobacco cigarettes.

It would be forbidden to smoke e-cigarettes in establishments and public places, and selling them to minors would be prohibited.

The promotion, advertisement and display of e-cigarette products would also have to comply withthe Tobacco Act.

Flavoured tobacco would also be regulated.

The province also wants to crack down on second-hand smoke.

It's considering banning smoking on terraces of bars and restaurants, as well asmaking it illegal to smoke in vehicles in the presence of children.

"There will be a long period of consultation. It's very long...There are many groups who want to participate in this consultation, but it is an important process," said Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.

"We managed to lower our smoking rates in 2005, 2006, 2007, and since that time it reached a plateau. I think we must make further progress, and one way to do that is to act on second-hand smoke exposure of people to smoke, especially children."

Lucie Charlebois, Quebec's junior minister for public health, will table the bill.