Ontario government to push tanning-bed ban for minors

The Ontario government plans to fast track its tanning bed legislation for minors and will move to pass Bill 30 next week.

The legislation would ban the sale of tanning services to people under the age of 18 and require operators to request ID  from anyone who appears to be under 25, among other requirements.

Health Minister Deb Matthews said in a statement Friday she is calling for all parties to support the bill.

“In August, both opposition parties committed to fast track this important bill. Since then, both parties have been consulted on our intention to fast track this legislation to pass it by the end of September,” Matthews said.

“All-party support next Wednesday will ensure that this legislation is passed into law before more youth use tanning beds this winter, preventing the needless risk of more harm caused by skin cancer.”

Matthews and House leader John Milloy said the bill, also known as the Skin Cancer Prevention Act, will “help protect Ontario’s young people who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds.”

The bill would also prohibit ads and marketing targeting minors and set steep fines of up to $25,000 for those who break the rules.

Operators would also be required to put up signs about the ban and the health risks of tanning, something the federal government said it would also mandate.

The only exceptions would be medically proven light therapies, such as UVB therapy for vitiligo, which causes depigmentation of the skin.

Legislation banning tanning beds for minors went into effect in Prince Edward Island on Sunday. Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have similar laws, while in Manitoba, teens need parental consent to use tanning beds.

With files from The Canadian Press

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