In 2009, among Canadian adults age 15 and older:

• 17.5% of Canadians (approximately 4.8 million) were current smokers.
• The majority of smokers reported smoking daily (13.6% daily/4.0% non-daily prevalence).
• Although prevalence has decreased substantially from the 1999 rate of 25.2%, the decline in smoking prevalence over the past 10 years appears to have slowed.
• Overall smoking prevalence was higher among males (19.2%) than females (15.9%). Non-daily smoking rates were similar, but daily smoking was more prevalent among males.
• Smoking prevalence varied by age, and was highest among younger adults (age 20-34), generally declining with age.
• Substantial differences in smoking prevalence by education level persisted over the last decade, despite declining prevalence.
• Daily smokers in Canada smoked an average of 14.5 cigarettes per day.
  • Average consumption has declined by nearly 3 cigarettes per day since 1999.
• Male smokers consumed approximately 3 more cigarettes per day than females.
• There were significant differences between provinces in smoking prevalence, cigarette consumption, use of roll-your-own tobacco, and use of other tobacco products.
• Smoking prevalence ranged from 15% in BC to 22% in Saskatchewan.
• Cigars and cigarillos were the most popular tobacco products other than cigarettes: 5% of Canadians reported use in the past 30 days.
  • Smoking prevalence ranged from 15% in BC to 21% in Manitoba.
• Roll-your-own tobacco was used by approximately one in ten smokers.
• Nearly half of smokers have made efforts to purchase cheaper cigarettes, including buying discount brands and purchasing on First Nations reserves.