After years of lobbying by health groups Alberta is finally moving to ban young people from using indoor tanning beds over growing fears about skin cancer.
The government says youths under 18 will not be allowed to use ultraviolet tanning machines starting on January 1st.
Businesses will also be prohibited from advertising such machines to minors and must post signs about the age restrictions and the dangers of U-V tanning.
The government passed the law in March 2015 but it has just been proclaimed.
The Canadian Cancer Society had been urging the government to take action, warning the delay has been putting young people at risk of developing skin cancer, including potentially deadly melanoma.
Health Minister Sarah Hoffman says the government needed time to consult with businesses and health groups before setting a date for the ban.
The society is praising the government for taking action, saying the ban will save lives.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Alberta and accounts for more than one-third of all new cancer cases.
U-V radiation exposure accounts for about 82 per cent of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.