Fiscal publication · Updated 29 May 2026
A proportionate nicotine policy protects the tax base before it expands enforcement costs
Proportionality is a test. It asks whether the burden created by a rule is justified by evidence, fit, enforcement practicality, and measurable results.
Fit
Does the rule target the specific youth-access or public-health problem, or does it broadly suppress lawful adult channels?
Evasion risk
What channel becomes more attractive if the lawful channel becomes less accessible?
Public cost
What inspection, investigation, complaint-response, and prosecution capacity will be needed after implementation?
Review
What tax, complaint, and enforcement indicators will Alberta publish so the public can judge whether the rule worked?