Smoking in Canada
In Canada, smoking is allowed and tobacco products are regulated. Under these regulations, cigarettes can be sold, purchased online, used, and bought from vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is permitted with a trade license. Health warnings are required on cigarette packaging, the minimum legal age for sales is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to an excise tax value of 54.47% and a total taxation rate of 63.34%. Available data show that smoking remains a significant public health issue in Canada. In 2024, there were approximately 3.5 million current smokers aged 15 years and older. This shows that the adult current smoking prevalence was 10.6% in 2024, with 13.1% among males and 8.1% among females. In comparison, this prevalence was 11.4% in 2022. For reference, the number of daily smokers was approximately 3.5 million in 2017 which shows that the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was 11.6%, with 19.1% among males and 13.4% among females. In 2021, smoking led to 34,171 deaths in Canada, including 20,700 deaths among males and 13,471 among females. This indicates that smoking accounted for 11% of all deaths in 2021 in the country, including 12.8% of male deaths and 9.04% of female deaths.
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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.
August 25, 2025 by cmaj.ca
Recommendations on interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults in Canada
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. The objective of this Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline is to provide primary care providers with evidence-based recommendations on smoking cessation options for nonpregnant adults aged 18 years or older who smoke tobacco cigarettes.
August 25, 2025 by cbc.ca
Want to quit cigarettes? Vaping is far from a go-to, Canadian guideline says
A new Canadian guideline advises against using e-cigarettes or vapes as a first choice to quit smoking, recommending proven methods like medications and counseling instead. Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco remains a top cause of preventable cancer deaths. The guideline highlights the risks of vaping, citing lack of long-term safety data and stresses the effectiveness of nicotine replacements like patches. It discourages alternative treatments and notes the need for further research, including on the efficacy of AI-based therapy. Overall, quitting smoking is challenging but achievable with the right support and strategies.
August 25, 2025 by cbc.ca
Want to quit cigarettes? Vaping is far from a go-to, Canadian guideline says
A new Canadian guideline advises against using e-cigarettes or vapes as a first choice to quit smoking, recommending proven methods like medications and counseling instead. Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco remains a top cause of preventable cancer deaths. The guideline highlights the risks of vaping, citing lack of long-term safety data and stresses the effectiveness of nicotine replacements like patches. It discourages alternative treatments and notes the need for further research, including on the efficacy of AI-based therapy. Overall, quitting smoking is challenging but achievable with the right support and strategies.
August 22, 2025 by hilltimes.com
One year in, Canada’s nicotine pouch ban still defies public health logic
It has now been a year since then–Health Minister Mark Holland introduced a federal order that limited the sale of nicotine pouches—used as smoking-cessation aids—to behind-the-counter access in pharmacies. The measure removed them from convenience stores nationwide in Canada and restricted permitted flavours in pharmacies to only mint and menthol.
May 25, 2025 by westernstandard.news
EL CHIDIAC: Why does Canada follow UN guidelines in its war on smokers?
Most Canadians are unaware of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), despite Canada signing and ratifying it 20 years ago. The treaty, adopted by 182 countries, influences smoking and harm reduction policies worldwide. In Canada, critics argue that FCTC’s strict regulations have led to a rigid, anti-harm-reduction stance that may be harming smokers seeking to quit.
May 07, 2025 by rights4vapers.com
Rights4Vapers Congratulates New Liberal Government, Urges Action On Safer Nicotine Policy Reform
Rights4Vapers congratulates the Liberal Party on forming the new federal government in Canada. They urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Health Ministers to prioritize harm reduction and Canadians' health with evidence-based nicotine policies. The advocacy group stresses the importance of distinguishing safer nicotine products like vaping devices from traditional cigarettes and establishing a Safer Nicotine Act. They call for the reversal of restrictions on nicotine pouch sales and emphasize the need for updated regulations to support smoking cessation effectively.
May 05, 2025 by westernstandard.news
OLDCORN: Australia’s tobacco tax fiasco offers Canada a smoking hot warning
Australia's tobacco excise revenue plummeted to $7.4 billion AUD this year from $16.3 billion AUD in 2019‑20, despite high taxes. Smokers turned to cheaper contraband due to tax hikes, leading to a 50% revenue drop in five years. Canadian authorities should pay attention as they increase taxes and regulations, resulting in a rise in vape store robberies across the country.
April 28, 2025 by westernstandard.news
Conservatives to end pharmacy only rule for nicotine pouches, ‘freedom of choice’
A Conservative government plans to allow smokers to purchase nicotine pouches at corner stores and gas stations, overturning the Liberal policy of restricting sales to pharmacies under the Food and Drugs Act. The Conservatives emphasize freedom of choice for adults and access to less harmful alternatives for those trying to quit smoking. Currently, Health Canada has licensed Zonnic as a nicotine pouch for smoking cessation.
April 09, 2025 by westernstandard.news
Health Canada guidance on Nicotine Replacement Therapies, a call for evidence-based reforms
Imperial Tobacco Canada is urging Health Canada to implement evidence-based regulations for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, warning that strict rules may hinder public health by curtailing access to effective products. In response to Health Canada's Draft Guidance on Nicotine Replacement Therapy Dosage Forms, ITCAN criticized the criteria for approving new NRT products as flawed. The company argues that the guidance's requirement for new NRTs to prevent misuse by non-smokers is unrealistic and could impede innovation, pushing consumers towards illicit markets.