Nova Scotia's health minister says legislation will be introduced this year that could govern the use of electronic cigarettes in public places such as restaurants and bars.

Leo Glavine says the province has made progress in eliminating cigarette and other tobacco smoking in such settings and the use of e-cigarettes will be looked at under the Smoke-free Places Act.

Glavine says the legislation will be brought forward in the spring session.

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E-cigarettes are cigarette-shaped devices that contain a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and inhaled.

They are intended to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco.