Fiscal publication · Updated 29 May 2026
The illicit vape market is a local tax-base problem too
A local view of the tax-base issue looks different from a legislature view. People want to know who is selling, who is checking ID, who pays tax, and who answers when there is a problem.
Why does tax matter locally?
Because tax-paid sales happen in a visible channel. A visible channel can be inspected, corrected, and held to the same standard as other adult-product sellers.
What happens when supply moves online?
The local accountability disappears. The seller may not be in the community, may not display rules, and may not respond to the same inspection path.
What should MLAs ask?
Ask how the province will tell the difference between fewer legal sales and fewer total sales. Those are not the same thing.
What is the fair answer?
Strengthen the legal channel, publish enforcement results, and make unlawful sellers carry the consequences instead of giving them the advantage.