Quitting Smoking in Canada: Resources and Support

Smoking remains a leading preventable cause of death in Canada. Quitting is one of the most impactful health decisions you can make - and support is available. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate begins to normalize. Within 1 year, your cardiovascular disease risk drops by 50%. Within 10 years, your lung cancer risk drops by 50%. Effective cessation strategies include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - patches, gum, lozenges - available over-the-counter at pharmacies, prescription medications (varenicline/Champix, bupropion/Zyban), counselling and behavioural support, and telephone quit lines and digital resources. Free Canadian resources include the Smokers\' Helpline (1-877-513-5333), provincial programs (most provinces offer free NRT or subsidized medication), the QuitNow app (available free for Canadians), and physician support through virtual or in-person consultations. Provincial drug coverage for cessation medications varies. Ontario\'s ODB covers some NRT products. Alberta and BC have specific smoking cessation drug programs. Check your provincial program or speak with your pharmacist. The combination of medication and counselling is more effective than either alone. A quit attempt with professional support is approximately twice as likely to succeed as quitting cold turkey. Your physician can prescribe cessation medications during a telehealth visit. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.