Canada

Tobacco Control Policies

Canada became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking restrictions in workplaces and public places are generally the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments (Canada has 10 provinces and three territories), as well as municipal governments.  Under federal law, smoking is prohibited in all federal government workplaces, with a few limited exceptions for residential spaces and workspaces to which only one person normally has access during a shift (such as vehicular workspaces). Federally-regulated workplaces include the federal government and federal government institutions (e.g., armed forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Crown corporations, federal prisons), as well as certain commercial sectors including transportation, broadcasting, telecommunications, and banking.  Other workplaces and public places fall under the jurisdiction of the provinces, territories, and municipalities.  Under sub-national legislation, smoking is prohibited in virtually all indoor public places and workplaces with the limited exception of designated smoking rooms in group living facilities, long-term care facilities, and specified hotel rooms.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: Most forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are prohibited, with a few limited exceptions. Tobacco products may be advertised at adult-only venues and through direct mail to named adults. In addition, cross-border advertising is not restricted. Although sponsorship by the tobacco industry is not completely prohibited, publicity of the sponsorship is prohibited.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: As of February 7, 2020, plain packaging is required for all tobacco products. On most tobacco product packaging, rotating pictorial health warnings must occupy 75 percent of principal display areas. In addition, text warnings are required to be printed directly on cigarettes, little cigars with tipping paper, and tubes. Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “ultra” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Canada are below these recommendations.   

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN
Health-care facilities Yes
Private offices Yes
Primary and secondary schools Yes
Public transport Yes
Universities Yes
Restaurants Yes
Governmental facilities No
Bars and Pubs Yes
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions? Yes
BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP
Domestic TV and radio Yes
Promotional discounts Yes
Domestic magazines and newspapers Yes
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names Yes
Outdoor advertising Yes
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names Yes
Point-of-sale advertising No
Paid placement in media Yes
Retail product display No
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility Yes
Internet advertising Yes
Publicity of sponsorships Yes
Free distribution Yes
HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Text warnings describe health impacts Yes
Number of published warnings at any given time 14
Warnings include a picture or graphic Yes
Warnings required to rotate Required
% of principal display areas covered (front and back) 75%
Warnings are written in the principal language(s) Yes
Front 75%
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling Yes
Back 75%
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products Yes
TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE
PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE)
In country currency 13.22 CAD
Total taxes 63%
In US dollars 10.31 USD
Total excise 54%

Sources:

SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org

Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2023. Available at: www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/tobacco-control/global-tobacco-report-2023

Last updated: May 5, 2025