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Smoking in Canada

tobacco smoking-related health problems account for 11% of deaths.

Read articles from Canada

October 21, 2025 by timescolonist.com

Editorial: We must admit the risks of vaping and take action

Attorney General Niki Sharma says the vaping industry is misleading young people through its advertising and packaging. British Columbia has already won a $3.6 billion settlement from tobacco companies over 18 years and now plans similar legal action against vaping firms. The structure of the lawsuit and the health-care costs linked to vaping are still being determined. While manufacturers claim vaping helps smokers quit tobacco, Sharma argues that because e-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine, they merely replace one harmful habit with another.

October 17, 2025 by gfn.tv

GFN Voices 2025 #15 | HOW CANADA IS FIGHTING FOR TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION?

Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, founder and spokesperson of Rights for Vapers, speaks with Joanna Junak about the challenges Canadian vapers face in being heard in public health debates. Maria shares how her organization has worked tirelessly to educate consumers on safer nicotine alternatives, fight misinformation, and give a voice to those seeking harm reduction over prohibition.

October 16, 2025 by globalnews.ca

Alberta students, doctors want federal ban on flavoured e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches

Albertan groups are urging federal health ministers to ban all flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches in Canada to deter youth vaping. Despite promises since 2021, the government has not implemented the ban. Concerns are raised about the popularity of vaping among students, prompting advocacy groups like SAAVE and Action on Smoking and Health to seek direct discussions with ministers at the upcoming meeting in Calgary. The focus is on protecting young Canadians from the allure of flavored vaping products.

September 25, 2025 by nbmediacoop.org

Nicotine pouch restriction makes quitting harder for workers

Michael, a 32-year-old construction worker from Saint John, struggled with smoking until finding success with nicotine pouches. Despite their effectiveness, Canadian regulations restricting access to them caused inconvenience and hindered efforts to quit smoking. Michael argues that limiting safer alternatives like pouches disproportionately affects working-class individuals and perpetuates addiction rather than promoting public health. He highlights the importance of supporting harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related health issues. Michael calls on MPs to overturn the ban on nicotine pouches, emphasizing the need for sensible health policies that prioritize people's well-being over moral judgments.

September 22, 2025 by cbc.ca

Health officials trying to tackle massive and 'tragic' use of vapes among teens

Local health officials are concerned about the increasing trend of teen vaping, with some young people even turning to cigarettes to curb their high-potency nicotine addiction. Issues of vaping on school premises are widespread, with many students facing warnings and fines. The deceptive marketing of vapes, coupled with the high nicotine content, poses risks of addiction and health problems. Efforts are being made to combat youth vaping rates through education, enforcement, and regulation. It is crucial for parents to educate their children early on the dangers of vaping. The complex intervention approach involves multiple strategies to address the issue effectively. Despite regulations, online sales of vapes and discreet product designs remain challenges for enforcement.

September 22, 2025 by cbc.ca

Health officials trying to tackle massive and 'tragic' use of vapes among teens

Local health officials are concerned about the increasing trend of teen vaping, with some young people even turning to cigarettes to curb their high-potency nicotine addiction. Issues of vaping on school premises are widespread, with many students facing warnings and fines. The deceptive marketing of vapes, coupled with the high nicotine content, poses risks of addiction and health problems. Efforts are being made to combat youth vaping rates through education, enforcement, and regulation. It is crucial for parents to educate their children early on the dangers of vaping. The complex intervention approach involves multiple strategies to address the issue effectively. Despite regulations, online sales of vapes and discreet product designs remain challenges for enforcement.

September 18, 2025 by nationalpost.com

Sabine Benoit: Ottawa's nicotine policy is failing smokers

Health Canada is conducting its third review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), but critics argue the current approach to nicotine regulation is failing. Smoking in Canada remains at 11.4% in 2023, decreasing too slowly compared to Sweden’s 5%, achieved through promoting harm reduction tools like snus and nicotine pouches, which are far less harmful than cigarettes. Instead of higher taxes or bans, experts suggest amending the TVPA to encourage harm reduction products.

August 28, 2025 by cbc.ca

Caffeine pouches are getting popular among young people. Are they safe?

Caffeine pouches, popular among young people, can contain high levels of caffeine, reaching 200mg. These small packets resemble nicotine pouches and are placed between the lip and gums for quick absorption. Health professionals warn that excessive use can lead to health risks, including rapid heart rate and dependence. Companies selling these products deny targeting minors and claim to adhere to restrictions set by Health Canada. Experts stress the importance of limiting caffeine intake, with pediatricians advising a maximum of 200mg per day. Concerns also arise about potential long-term health effects, such as addiction and sleep problems. Regulations and clear health warnings on these products are recommended.

August 28, 2025 by cbc.ca

Caffeine pouches are getting popular among young people. Are they safe?

Caffeine pouches, popular among young people, can contain high levels of caffeine, reaching 200mg. These small packets resemble nicotine pouches and are placed between the lip and gums for quick absorption. Health professionals warn that excessive use can lead to health risks, including rapid heart rate and dependence. Companies selling these products deny targeting minors and claim to adhere to restrictions set by Health Canada. Experts stress the importance of limiting caffeine intake, with pediatricians advising a maximum of 200mg per day. Concerns also arise about potential long-term health effects, such as addiction and sleep problems. Regulations and clear health warnings on these products are recommended.

August 25, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

New guideline offers menu of options to help people quit smoking tobacco

A new guideline published in CMAJ provides effective options for quitting tobacco smoking, a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. The guideline includes behavioral and medication choices as well as a natural health product, tailored to personal preferences. It aims to address the challenges of quitting smoking, which is highly addictive and increases the risk of various diseases. Clinicians are advised to assess patients' smoking status and offer recommended cessation options through shared decision-making. The guideline recommends against certain smoking cessation methods and suggests using e-cigarettes only as a last resort. Overall, the guideline supports efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and offers practical tools for clinicians to assist patients in quitting smoking effectively.

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