The counter result
Health Canada reported that retailer compliance with vaping rules rose from 69% in 2019 to 90% in 2025. That improvement happened at counters that can be inspected, warned, and fined.
The other side of the ledger
The same report names illegitimate retailers and online sellers as an ongoing youth-access concern and estimates illegal tobacco at 10 to 20% of Canada’s tobacco market.
What independent shops ask of Alberta
- Count the compliance gains before counting product bans.
- Fund inspections that reach unlicensed and online sellers.
- Keep penalties pointed at repeat offenders.
- Give small shops a clear compliance checklist if rules change.