Vaping in Canada: What we know
On this page
We conduct research about vaping in Canada to:
- understand how Canadians are using these products
- keep on top of the latest science on vaping
- assess the size of the vaping product market
- ask Canadians about their understanding and opinions on vaping products
- inform Canadians of the health impacts of vaping
Surveys
Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey
This is a survey of Canadians 15 years and older. It asks about their use of:
- cigarettes
- vaping products
The survey was first conducted in 2019 and has been conducted on an annual basis. In 2022, it showed that:
- 6% of Canadians aged 15 and older had reported vaping in the past 30 days. Younger Canadians were more likely to have vaped in the past 30 days (14% of youth aged 15 – 19 and 20% of those aged 20 – 24) compared to 4% of Canadians aged 25 and older.
- Vaping to reduce stress was reported as the main reason for vaping among 15-19 years (31%) and 20-24 years (33%) compared with 44% of those aged 25 and older who reported using vaping to reduce, quit or avoid returning to smoking.
- 7% of males and 5% of females vaped in the past 30 days.
Read about the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey
Statistics Canada provides a Public Use Microdata File.
Canadian Community Health Survey
This is an annual survey of Canadians aged 12 and over. It collects information related to health status, health care utilization and health determinants for the Canadian population.
The latest vaping data from 2022 showed that:
- 6% of Canadians aged 15 and older vaped in the past 30 days. Younger Canadians were more likely to have vaped in the past 30 days (14% of youth aged 15 – 19 and 18% of those aged 20 – 24) compared to 4% of Canadians aged 25 and older.
- 7% of males and 5% of females vaped in the past 30 days.
- 3% of males and 2% of females vape daily.
Read about the Canadian Community Health Survey
Statistics Canada provides a Public Use Microdata File.
Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey
This is a survey of Canadian students between grades 7 and 12 (secondary I to secondary V in Quebec). It asks about their use of:
- vaping products
- tobacco
- alcohol
- cannabis
- drugs
This survey is conducted every two years. The most recent prevalence rates are from the 2021-22 survey. It showed that:
- 17% of students in grades 7-12 reported using a vaping product (referred to as an e-cigarette in the survey) within the last 30 days.
- 16% of students have used an e-cigarette with nicotine and 4% had used an e-cigarette without nicotine in the past 30 days.
- 55% of the students thought it would be "fairly easy" or "very easy" to get an e-cigarette with nicotine if they wanted one, and 54% thought it would be "fairly easy" or "very easy" to get an e-cigarette without nicotine if they wanted one.
- Among students who used cannabis, 54% reported vaping liquid cannabis and 34% reported vaping dried cannabis in the past 12 months.
Read about the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey
Retailer behaviour surveys
Health Canada conducts surveys to determine the willingness of retailers to sell e-cigarette products to youth and to gain a better understanding of e-cigarette product placement, accessibility and promotion at retail outlets in Canada.
For additional information on the Retailer behaviour surveys, please contact the Tobacco Control Directorate.
Public opinion research
Health Canada uses public opinion research data to:
- inform decision-making concerning vaping products
- understand Canadians' perceptions and beliefs regarding vaping products
- test messaging to ensure information is accurately communicated to Canadians
Available public opinion research reports cover many topics, such as attitudes and behaviours regarding vaping products, the testing of new messages for communications campaigns, and the evaluation of possible labelling elements for vaping products. A full list of public opinion research on vaping can be accessed by visiting the Library and Archives Canada website.
Scientific research studies
Health Canada conducts scientific studies and evaluates available information on vaping and nicotine-containing products in order to:
- inform and support science-based decision making
- better understand the safety, appeal and addiction of vaping and other nicotine-containing products
- stay on top of the latest research on vaping and nicotine science
- monitor novel or emerging vaping product types
Scientific studies
Scientific research studies are based on chemical analyses of vaping liquids and their emissions. These studies are carried out in Health Canada laboratories and in accredited testing facilities. We collect information on constituents of vaping products and their emissions, which may include nicotine and other chemicals of concern.
Scientific evaluation
Health Canada gathers, analyzes and reviews available scientific literature on vaping products and impacts of their use. This information is used to identify gaps in scientific knowledge and support program activities such as regulatory proposals and public education.
Scientific Advisory Board
Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research set up a Scientific Advisory Board on Vaping Products. This advisory board reviews the evidence and science on vaping products and provides advice.
The board includes:
- scientists
- academics
- researchers
- health professionals
The members are experts in:
- clinical medicine
- population and public health
- basic and biomedical science
Related links
Page details
- Date modified: