2006-87
September 6, 2006
For immediate release
OTTAWA The number of Canadian youth trying tobacco products has continued to fall, Health
Canada's 2004-2005 Youth Smoking Survey has found.
"The survey results show fewer young people in grades five
to nine are trying and using tobacco products," said
Minister Clement. "This research is evidence that progress is being made in discouraging youth from taking
up smoking, which is one of the goals of the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy."
In 2004-05, only 21 per cent
of youth in grades five through nine had tried any type of tobacco product. This represents a 50 per cent
reduction over a 10-year period from the rate in 1994.
The Youth Smoking Survey is a monitoring tool for Health
Canada. It is intended to provide the department, its partners and stakeholders, and the Canadian public, with
important information related to tobacco use, including estimates of smoking prevalence, for Canadian youth
in grades five to nine.
For 2004-05, a national survey of more than 29,000 Canadian students in grades five to nine was conducted to
monitor changes in smoking status and to provide information related to tobacco use in Canada. It is generally
recognized that this is the population most at risk for trying tobacco products.
The implementation of the 2004-05
YSS was the result of a successful capacity building project funded by Health Canada through a contribution
agreement between Health Canada, the University of Waterloo and its partners in a pan Canadian consortium of
tobacco control researchers. Based on the success of this project, Health Canada has continued its collaboration
with the University of Waterloo and the pan Canadian consortium of tobacco control researchers to conduct the
2006-07 YSS during the upcoming school year.
It is expected that the 2006-07 YSS will expand to include grades
5-12, with an estimated 100,000 students expected to participate making this the largest school based survey
in Canada.
For additional information on the 2004-2005 Youth Smoking Survey and a summary of results, please
visit GoSmokefree!.
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Media Enquiries:
Renée Bergeron
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
