Health Labels for Cigarettes and Little Cigars

The new requirements under the Tobacco Products Appearance, Packaging and Labelling Regulations will come into force on August 1, 2023. During the transition period from August 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024, health-related messages from both the new regulations and existing regulations may be seen on tobacco products and packages.

The new health-related messages will be made available on the web by August 1, 2023. In the interim, please contact pregs@hc-sc.gc.ca to request the new health-related messages.

Under the Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations (Cigarettes and Little Cigars), the following health-related labels are required for all cigarette and little cigar packages sold in Canada.

Important information on the obligations of manufacturers, importers and retailers with regards to the coming into force of the Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations (Cigarettes and Little Cigars) is available.

Health Warning Messages - Cigarettes

Note: Health Canada is the copyright owner of all health label images with the exception of those marked with an asterisk (*). Reproducing any of these images without prior permission is prohibited. You can request permission to use the images owned by Health Canada by submitting this form. For those images whose copyright is not owned by Health Canada, that is those marked with an asterisk (*), please contact HC.pregs.SC@canada.ca to obtain the owner's contact information.

Man with a hole in his throat due to cancer of the larynx.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - I wish I had never started smoking

"I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx when I was 48. I had to have my vocal cords removed, and now I breathe through a hole in my throat."
- Leroy

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Throat cancer facts

Surgeon holding a heart.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Cigarettes are a Major Cause of Heart Disease

WARNING

Cigarettes are a major cause of heart disease.

Smokers are up to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

*Heart disease facts

Cancerous tongue
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Oral Cancer

WARNING

ORAL CANCER

These white spots are a form of oral cancer caused primarily by smoking. Even if you survive, you may lose part or all of your tongue.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
©Dr. Martin T. Tyler

*Oral Cancer facts

Man paralyzed by a stroke getting assistance in the bathroom by a male attendant.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - A Single Stroke Can Leave You Helpless

WARNING

A single stroke can leave you helpless.

Cigarettes are a major cause of stroke.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Stroke facts

Woman with emphysema.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Just Breathing is Torture

"Just breathing is torture."

"Smoking caused my lungs to collapse four times before I was diagnosed with emphysema at 42. Without my oxygen tank, it feels like I'm breathing through a straw."
- Lena

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease facts

Empty crib.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Tobacco Smoke Hurts Everyone

WARNING

Tobacco smoke hurts everyone.

Infants who are exposed to tobacco smoke are at greater risk of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Health Canada

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome facts

Woman with end stage lung cancer, in a wheelchair and smoking a cigarette.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - The Power of the Cigarette

"Look at the power of the cigarette... Remember this face and that smoking killed me."

Barb Tarbox died at 42 of lung cancer caused by cigarettes.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
The Edmonton Journal

*Lung Cancer facts

Man at the morgue zipping up a body bag.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Another Premature Death

WARNING

Another premature death...

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death in Canada. About 100 people die from tobacco use each day.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Mortality facts

A little girl coughing inside a vehicle because of tobacco smoke.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Smoking in the Car Hurts More than Just You

WARNING

Smoking in the car hurts more than just you.

Having the windows open does not protect passengers from the over 70 cancer causing chemicals in tobacco smoke.

You have the will. There is a way.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Second-hand Smoke facts

Eye injection surgery.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Risk of blindness

WARNING

RISK OF BLINDNESS

Smoking may increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can cause permanent vision loss. There is no effective treatment in most cases.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
© Insider medicine

*Age-Related Macular Degeneration facts

Woman in hospital bed dying of lung cancer.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Dying of Lung Cancer

WARNING

This is what dying of lung cancer looks like.

Barb Tarbox died at 42 of lung cancer caused by cigarettes.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
The Edmonton Journal

*Lung Cancer facts

Pregnant woman pushing away a hand holding a cigarette.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Tobacco Smoke: No thanks

WARNING

Tobacco Smoke: No thanks.

Second-hand smoke contains many toxic chemicals that can harm an unborn baby.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Second-hand Smoke and Pregnancy facts

Mother and daughter, both smokers. Mother is visibly sick, but daughter is still smoking beside her.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Cigarette Addiction Affects Generations

WARNING

Cigarette addiction affects generations.

Mother and daughter are both addicted to tobacco. Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
©Brenda Ann Kenneally

*Addiction facts

Numerous effects caused by cigarettes shown on a young woman (i.e. premature wrinkling, dental problems, eye problems).
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - When you smoke it shows

WARNING

When you smoke it shows.

Cigarettes are addictive and harmful.

You have the will. There is a way.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

*Visible effects facts

Little boy wearing an oxygen mask.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Your kids are sick of your smoking

WARNING

Your kids are sick of your smoking.

Second-hand smoke causes more frequent and severe asthmatic attacks in children.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Second-hand Smoke facts

Blood in the toilet due to bladder cancer.
Description - Warning for Cigarettes - Cigarettes Cause Bladder Cancer

WARNING

Cigarettes cause bladder cancer.

Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lining of the bladder causing cancer. The most common sign is blood in the urine.

You have the will. There is a way.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Bladder cancer facts

Health Warning Messages - Little Cigars

Note: Health Canada is the copyright owner of all health label images with the exception of those marked with an asterisk (*). Reproducing any of these images without prior permission is prohibited. You can request permission to use the images owned by Health Canada by submitting this form. For those images whose copyright is not owned by Health Canada, that is those marked with an asterisk (*), please contact HC.pregs.SC@canada.ca to obtain the owner's contact information.

Man with surgical tube coming out of his throat area, due to throat cancer.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Throat Cancer

Throat cancer. It's tough to swallow.

Smoking causes throat cancer. This cancer often requires extensive surgery and may require a hole cut in your throat to breathe.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Throat cancer facts

Surgeon holding a heart.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Smoking Is a Major Cause of Heart Disease

WARNING

Smoking is a major cause of heart disease.

Smokers are up to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

*Heart disease facts

Cancerous tongue.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Oral Cancer

WARNING

ORAL CANCER

These white spots are a form of oral cancer caused primarily by smoking. Even if you survive, you may lose part or all of your tongue.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
©Dr. Martin T. Tyler

*Oral Cancer facts

Man paralyzed by a stroke getting assistance in the bathroom by a male attendant.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - A single stroke can leave you helpless

WARNING

A single stroke can leave you helpless.

Smoking is a major cause of stroke.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Stroke facts

Woman suffering from chronic bronchitis.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Chronic Bronchitis

WARNING

CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

Smoking causes chronic bronchitis, a permanent condition that leads to a constant fight for each and every breath.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease facts

Empty crib.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Tobacco Smoke Hurts Everyone

WARNING

Tobacco smoke hurts everyone.

Infants who are exposed to tobacco smoke are at greater risk of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome facts

A teenaged girl being offered a little cigar.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Tobacco is Addictive

WARNING

Tobacco is addictive, even for occasional smokers.

A single puff is the first step towards addiction. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

*Addiction facts

Man at the morgue zipping up a body bag.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Another premature death

WARNING

Another premature death...

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death in Canada. About 100 people die from tobacco use each day.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Mortality facts

A little girl coughing inside a vehicle because of tobacco smoke.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Smoking in the car hurts more than just you

WARNING

Smoking in the car hurts more than just you.

Having the windows open does not protect passengers from the over 70 cancer causing chemicals in tobacco smoke.

You have the will. There is a way.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Second-hand Smoke facts

Eye injection surgery.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Risk of Blindness

WARNING

RISK OF BLINDNESS

Smoking may increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can cause permanent vision loss. There is no effective treatment in most cases.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
© Insider medicine

*Age-Related Macular Degeneration facts

Chest x-ray showing a lung affected by cancer.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Lung Cancer

WARNING

LUNG CANCER

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. About 80% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.

Need help to quit?
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
Courtesy of Dr. Ostiguy, MUHC

*Lung Cancer facts

Pregnant woman pushing away a hand holding a cigarette.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Tobacco Smoke: No thanks

WARNING

Tobacco Smoke: No thanks.

Second-hand smoke contains many toxic chemicals that can harm an unborn baby.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Second-hand Smoke and Pregnancy facts

Mother and daughter, both smokers. Mother is visibly sick, but daughter is still smoking beside her.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Tobacco Addiction Affects Generations

WARNING

Tobacco addiction affects generations.

Mother and daughter are both addicted to tobacco. Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada
© Brenda Ann Kenneally

*Addiction facts

Numerous effects caused by cigarettes shown on a young woman (i.e. premature wrinkling, dental problems, eye problems).
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - When You Smoke It Shows

WARNING

When you smoke it shows.

Tobacco is addictive and harmful.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

*Visible effects facts

Little boy wearing an oxygen mask.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Your Kids Are Sick of Your Smoking

WARNING

Your kids are sick of your smoking.

Second-hand smoke causes more frequent and severe asthmatic attacks in children.

You can quit. We can help.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Second-hand Smoke facts

Blood in the toilet due to bladder cancer.
Description - Warning for Little Cigars - Bladder Cancer

WARNING

BLADDER CANCER

Toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lining of the bladder causing cancer. The most common sign is blood in the urine.

You have the will. There is a way.
1-866-366-3667
gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit
Health Canada

Bladder cancer facts

Health Information Messages - Cigarettes and Little Cigars

Note: Health Canada is the copyright owner of all health label images with the exception of those marked with an asterisk (*). Reproducing any of these images without prior permission is prohibited. You can request permission to use the images owned by Health Canada by submitting this form. For those images whose copyright is not owned by Health Canada, that is those marked with an asterisk (*), please contact HC.pregs.SC@canada.ca to obtain the owner's contact information.

It's never too late...
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - It's Never Too Late

It's never too late…

Quitting smoking increases life expectancy and improves quality of life.

People who quit smoking increase their chances of living longer. They improve their general health, leading to a better quality of life.

It's never too late to quit. No matter how old you are, you'll start to feel major and immediate health benefits and have more energy to help you live life to the fullest.

Talk to a health care provider.
Health Canada

Morning cough?
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - Morning Cough

Morning cough?

Coughing is your lungs warning you it's time to quit.

When you quit smoking:

  • Within the first few months, you'll cough and wheeze less and you'll be short of breath less often.
  • In the first 5 years, respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia will decrease significantly.

You can quit and breathe easier!
Health Canada

Never quit trying to quit.
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - Never Quit Trying to Quit

Never quit trying to quit.

Most smokers try to quit several times before they succeed.

Think of every attempt as a learning experience, not a failure. Never quit trying to quit.

Pick a quit date, write it down or tell someone about it.

Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction.
Health Canada

I have enough of feeling guilty...
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - I have enough of feeling guilty "I have enough of feeling guilty…"

1-866-366-3667

"Quitting is hard and it takes a lot of will power.

"I had enough of feeling guilty. I was ashamed of being a smoker.

"When I was ready to quit, I called a quitline and, with their support, I made it through the first few days of cravings.

"As the days went by, I was more and more proud of myself and my will to keep going got stronger."

- Susan

Tobacco products are highly addictive.
Health Canada

They only last an average of a few minutes...
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - They Only Last an Average of a Few Minutes

They only last an average of a few minutes…

For most, when cravings occur they usually last only a few minutes.

When you quit smoking, you may get strong cravings. This is part of the quitting process. The brain gets used to not having nicotine. The more you resist, the fewer cravings you'll have.

You've got what it takes to go smoke-free!

Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction.
Health Canada

Thinking of having a baby?
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - Thinking of Having a Baby

Thinking of having a baby?

Quitting smoking before pregnancy will increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

You'll lower your risk of:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Having a baby with serious health problems.

Although quitting is most beneficial before conception, there are some benefits to quitting at any time during your pregnancy.

Talk to a health care provider.
Health Canada

Quitting... What's in it for you me?
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - Quitting ... What's in it for me?

Quitting…What's in it for me?

WHY SHOULD I QUIT SMOKING?

I want to regain control over myself by getting rid of my tobacco addiction…

I want to be at my best with my activities…

I want to be healthier and have more energy…

I will reward myself with the money saved…
Health Canada

How can the quitline help me?
Description - Information Message for Cigarettes and Little Cigars - How Can the Quitline Help Me

How can the quitline help me?

WHEN YOU CALL THE TOLL-FREE QUITLINE 1-866-366-3667

You'll speak one-on-one with a quit specialist who will help you:

  • Create a quit plan that works for you.
  • Access information and tools to become smoke-free.
  • Cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Find services and resources in your community.

There are many reasons to quit.
What's yours?

Tobacco is the single most preventable cause of premature death and disease.
Health Canada

References and links to more information about these messages

Toxic Emissions Statements - Cigarettes and Little Cigars

Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 chemicals that can cause cancer. Health Canada
Description - Toxic Emissions Statement for Cigarettes and Little Cigars

Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 chemicals that can cause cancer. Health Canada

Tobacco smoke contains hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas. Health Canada
Description - Toxic Emissions Statement for Cigarettes and Little Cigars

Tobacco smoke contains hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas. Health Canada

Tobacco smoke contains benzene, a chemical that causes cancer. Health Canada
Description - Toxic Emissions Statement for Cigarettes and Little Cigars

Tobacco smoke contains benzene, a chemical that causes cancer. Health Canada

Tobacco smoke contains fine particles that can damage the respiratory system. Health Canada
Description - Toxic Emissions Statement for Cigarettes and Little Cigars

Tobacco smoke contains fine particles that can damage the respiratory system. Health Canada

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