Federal Laws

The authority or "jurisdiction" to make laws is divided between the Parliament of Canada and the provincial legislatures. Parliament can make laws for the whole of Canada with respect to matters assigned to it by the Constitution.

There are two federal acts that address tobacco products and their use at the federal level:

First, there is the Tobacco Act administered by Health Canada. The Act governs the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion of tobacco products and provides the authority to the Governor in Council to make regulations on these issues.

Second, is the Non-smokers' Health Act which restricts smoking in federally regulated workplaces and public places under federal jurisdiction and provides the Governor in Council with the authority to make regulations on these issues. This Act is administered by the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development.

Related Resource

• Tobacco Regulations