What is the legal smoking age in Canada?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
In Canada, the age at which it is legal to purchase and smoke tobacco and other products containing nicotine varies depending on the province or territory. In this blog, we'll take a look at the legal smoking age in Canada and examine which provinces have the most strict regulations. While planning your trip, take note of any travel restrictions that may impact your itinerary, such as limited access to certain regions or attractions.

The Legal Smoking Age in Canada

1. Defining the legal smoking age:

In Canada, the legal smoking age refers to the minimum age at which individuals are allowed to purchase, possess, and consume tobacco or other smoking products. It is important to note that smoking includes the use of cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, and any other smoking devices.

2. Provincial variations:

The legal smoking age in Canada is determined at the provincial or territorial level, rather than being a federal law. This means that each province or territory can establish its own specific legal smoking age.

For example, in most provinces and territories, the legal smoking age is set at 19. This includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.

However, there are a few exceptions:

- In Alberta and Saskatchewan, the legal smoking age is 18.

- In Quebec, the legal smoking age is 18, but there are plans to raise it to 21 by January 1, 2022.

- In Manitoba and Northwest Territories, the legal smoking age will be raised to 19 on October 1, 2021.

3. Minimum age for purchasing smoking products:

Regardless of the legal smoking age, it is important to know that the minimum age for purchasing smoking products may vary. Some provinces and territories have passed legislation to increase the minimum age for purchasing smoking products to align with the legal smoking age.

For example, in Ontario, the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is 19, even though the legal smoking age is also 19.

4. Enforcement and penalties:

Each province or territory is responsible for enforcing the legal smoking age and imposing penalties for violations. Penalties may include fines, confiscation of smoking products, or other consequences depending on the specific legislation in place.

It is important to abide by the legal smoking age and comply with the regulations established in your province or territory to avoid legal consequences.

Stay informed about any travel restrictions or travel rules in place, as they may vary depending on your destination within the country.

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