THUNDER BAY – Smoking tobacco is a habit that seems to be dropping in popularity. Even among teenagers, from 15 to 17 the number of smokers is almost ten per cent less according to Statistics Canada. “The numbers announced today are encouraging, as they show more Canadians are making the healthy choice when it comes to smoking,” said Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “I am particularly encouraged by the numbers when it comes to youth.”
According to new statistics released today, the smoking rate in Canada has dropped to 17% in 2010. This is the lowest level ever recorded, according to annual results of the 2010 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS).
According to the 2010 survey, smoking rates have significantly declined for key age groups. For example, in 2010 smoking among teens aged 15 to 17 fell to 9% — the lowest recorded rate in an age group often seen as key in the fight against smoking.
CTUMS, a national survey conducted by Statistics Canada on behalf of Health Canada since 1999, provides essential input to the development of sound and effective tobacco control policies and programs, as well as their evaluation.
In 2010, the government implemented the Cracking Down on Tobacco Marketing Aimed At Youth Act in response to an increase in little cigar smoking among youth. According to CTUMS 2010, the number of youth aged 15 to 19 who reported smoking little cigars in the past 30 days is 6%, a statistically significant decrease from the rate of 8% reported in 2009.
Over the 12 years that CTUMS has been conducted, smoking rates have decreased from a high of 25% in 1999 to 17% in 2010.
