Smoking in Canada: The Territories That Have the Most and Least Smokers and the Effect This Has on the Public Healthcare System

New Brunswick Has Highest Smoking Rate in Canada, Study Reveals

• New Brunswick leads Canada with a smoking rate of 15.8%, exceeding the national average of 10.9%. 

• Adults aged 25 and over in New Brunswick have a smoking prevalence of 17.2%.

• British Columbia records the lowest rate of any province at 8.7%.

A recent study by Preszler Injury Lawyers has identified the provinces in Canada where smoking is most prevalent, with New Brunswick emerging as having the highest smoking rate in the country.

The study analyzed smoking rates across Canadian provinces, focusing on various age groups to determine where smoking is most common.

Which provinces are the home to the most smokers?

1. New Brunswick

New Brunswick leads with an overall smoking rate of 15.8%, significantly higher than the national average of 10.9%. The highest prevalence in the province is among adults aged 25 and over, at 17.2%. Among individuals aged 45 and over, the smoking rate is 14.8%, indicating that smoking remains common among older adults in the province.

2. Manitoba

Manitoba has the second-highest smoking rate at 14.1%. The highest smoking prevalence is among adults aged 25 and over, at 15.1%. Young adults aged 20-24 have a smoking rate of 11.1%, while among teens aged 15-19, the rate is 5.9%.

3. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan reports a smoking rate of 13.4%. Notably, adults aged 45 and over have a smoking rate of 19%, the highest percentage in this age group across all provinces. This suggests that smoking is particularly prevalent among older adults in Saskatchewan.

4. Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a smoking rate of 13.1%. The highest prevalence is among adults aged 25 and over, at 14.6%. Due to data limitations, specific rates for younger age groups are not available.

5. Quebec

Quebec’s overall smoking rate is 12.3%. Adults aged 25-44 in Quebec have a smoking rate of 13.1%, while those aged 45 and over have a rate of 13.4%. Young adults aged 20-24 have a smoking rate of 6.1%, and teens aged 15-19 have a rate of 4.1%.

Provinces with Lowest Smoking Rates

1. British Columbia

British Columbia has the lowest smoking rate in Canada at 8.7%. Among adults aged 25 and over, the smoking rate is 9.1%. Young adults aged 20-24 have a smoking rate of 7.1%, and teens aged 15-19 have a rate of 5.3%.

2. Ontario

Ontario’s smoking rate is 9.9%, slightly below the national average. Among adults aged 25 and over, the smoking rate is 10.6%. Young adults aged 20-24 have a smoking rate of 8.2%, while teens aged 15-19 have a lower rate of 2.9%.

3. Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador report a smoking rate of 10.2%. Adults aged 25 and over have a smoking rate of 10.9%, and those aged 45 and over have a rate of 11.9%. Specific data for younger age groups are not available.

4. Alberta

Alberta has a smoking rate of 12%. The highest prevalence is among adults aged 45 and over, at 15.4%. Adults aged 25 and over have a smoking rate of 13.1%, while young adults aged 20-24 have a rate of 6.4%, and teens aged 15-19 have a rate of 5.2%.

5. Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia also has a smoking rate of 12%. Among adults aged 20-24, the smoking rate is 12.8%, the highest in this age group among the provinces. Teens aged 15-19 have a high smoking rate of 10.7%, significantly above the national average for that age group.

National Smoking Trends

Across Canada, the overall smoking rate is 10.9%. The highest prevalence is among adults aged 45 and over, at 12.3%. Adults aged 25-44 have a smoking rate of 10.9%. Teens aged 15-19 have a national smoking rate of 4.2%, while young adults aged 20-24 have a rate of 7.7%.

We’re here to help.