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.
- Health Warning Messages covering 75% of the front and back of packages
- Health Information Messages on the inside of packages
- Toxic Emissions Statements on the side of packages
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Description - Toxic Emissions Statement for 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 hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas. Health Canada
Description - Toxic Emissions Statement for Cigarettes and Little Cigars
Tobacco smoke contains benzene, a chemical that causes cancer. 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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