PEI looks to ban candy-flavoured tobacco products

Prince Edward Island's health minister is encouraging Health Canada to bring in a national ban on candy-flavoured tobacco products.

Doug Currie says he has sent a letter advocating the position to Health Canada.

Opposition Tory James Aylward moved a motion on the floor of the P.E.I. legislature Tuesday calling for house members to come together in favour of banning the product in the province.

The motion passed unanimously.

Currently candy-flavoured tobacco products cannot be sold on the Island to anyone under the age of 19.

Currie says in the meantime the government's focus will be making sure stores are not selling the tobacco products to minors.

The Canadian Cancer Society and other provincial organizations feel the products are being marketed to youth with their bright packaging and flavours, such as strawberry, chocolate and watermelon.