- Anti Smoking Laws -
Smoking Bans Reduce the Harmful Health Effects of Smoking Cigarettes

Anti smoking laws in Canada and elsewhere form the foundation for the smoking bans that prohibit smoking in public places.

Public smoking bans have not been universally adopted across the Canadian dominion, but there is increasing public support to limit the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes through restrictions on smoking in public places even including outdoor spaces like patios, beaches, and parks.

Attention to applying and enforcing the Canadian anti tobacco measures and smoking bans have been successful in decreasing smoking uptake and prevalence.

Anti Smoking Laws and Bans in Canada
- The Smoking Facts -

All provinces except Alberta have public smoking bans that restrict smoking in public places including restaurants and bars.

Canada's anti tobacco laws (The Tobacco Act) came into full force in 2003 and include restrictions on advertising and access to tobacco products.

Globally Canada is a leader in reducing the prevalence of smoking through anti smoking tobacco control strategies. Canada was working hard to reduce smoking prevalence even before ratifying the WHO Framework on Tobacco Control in 2004.

The smoking facts show that smoking prevalence in the country has been reduced from over 30% in the 1980's to 18% in 2010.

British Columbia has the lowest number of smokers relevant to the population size. Smoking prevalence rates there are just under 15%.

Overall it is the Canadian smoking laws, bans, taxation and enforcement of anti-tobacco laws that have been successful in decreasing smoking uptake and prevalence.

If There is a Will There is an Anti Smoking Way

At a national level nothing happens to affect policy and laws unless there is a will. In the case of anti smoking laws that will has to be based on a strong foundation of public accountability and the moral obligation to protect the people. That after all is what governments are supposed to do.

There is no other priority that should be placed above the health of the people of a nation. Without healthy people nations cannot thrive let alone survive.

Healthy people live longer, earn more money, are more productive, and pay more taxes. Why would a government not want that? Why would the people in any country not want that?

By comparison to the very successful efforts of Canada in reducing smoking prevalence, here is a summary of the efforts of some other countries to reduce the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes through anti smoking laws and public smoking bans and bylaws.

• Australia - classified as having a strong approach to tobacco control as all states have significant anti smoking laws that are enforced. Some of these public smoking bans extend to outdoor places such as the beaches in Sydney.


• USA - no national smoking bans, and state and regional authorities can pass anti-smoking bylaws. In some localities these are quite comprehensive while almost non-existent in others. 11 states have no smoking bans at all on a state wide basis but local counties can enact bylaws to restrict smoking in public places in their jurisdictions.


• Brazil - tobacco control measures are in place and there are restrictions against smoking in public places except for hospitality businesses where "non-smoking" sections are required. Some jurisdictions have stricter no smoking policies.


• Japan - no national efforts or policies to restrict smoking in public places. Local jurisdictions such as wards and prefectures are moving to enact ordinances that restrict smoking in public places. Individual businesses are also moving to become smoke free to please their customers and protect their employees from the harmful health effects of smoking cigarettes.


• New Zealand - comprehensive anti smoking laws extend to outdoor spaces especially around schools, hospitals, stadiums and some universities.

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