Smoking prevalence among students in grades 6-9 varied significantly by province in 2008-09 (68) (Figure 8.7). Prevalence was highest in Quebec, at 7.6%.

Between 1994 and 2004-05, smoking declined in all provinces (Table 8.1). From 2004-05 to 2008-09, prevalence has remained fairly stable or risen slightly in almost all provinces.

Among youth aged 15-19, smoking prevalence varied significantly by province (69) in 2010 (Figure 8.8). Prevalence ranged from 9% in BC and Ontario to more than 20% in Saskatchewan.

Between 1999 and 2010, smoking prevalence decreased substantially in all provinces; during this time, smoking rates were reduced by more than half in Canada, as well as in many provinces (Table 8.2).