Cancer society alarmed by high teen smoking rates in Nova Scotia

CITYnews halifax / By Chris Halef

A member of the Canadian Cancer Society says new numbers showing Nova Scotia leads the country in youth smoking rates are concerning.

This comes after a study from Preszler Injury Law found Nova Scotia has the highest rate of smoking among teens and young adults.

The study showed teens aged 15 to 19 in the province smoke at a rate of 10.7 per cent—more than double the national average.

Heather Mulligan, senior manager of advocacy at the Canadian Cancer Society, tells 95.7 News this is a problem that can’t be ignored.

“These are young people who shouldn’t have been able to get their hands on these products,” said Mulligan. “Ten per cent of our youth are actively smoking compared to the national average of 4.2 percent.”

Mulligan says the number of young people vaping in Nova Scotia is a concern, as the province leads the country.

She says action needs to be taken to address the issue, adding that if left unchecked, it will have serious impacts on the healthcare system for years to come.