The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show that about 400,000 Canadians stopped smoking between 2013 and 2015.
The latest Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs Survey (CTADS) shows that overall cigarette smoking prevalence last year was 13 per cent (3.8 million), down from 15 per cent three years ago.
"While I am happy to see that the overall smoking rates have fallen, the CTADS data show we still have work to do. We must continue the fight to reduce the rates of tobacco use, particularly among youth" said Federal Health Minister, Jane Philpott. "We must also remain vigilant in moving forward with our partners in addressing the problematic use of other substances as well."
The main drop was among adults over age 25; however there was no change for youths and young adults.
At a provincial level, Quebec had the sixth highest smoking rate, at 14 per cent. Newfoundland and Labrador topped the list at 18 per cent. Prince Edward Island had the lowest total at 12 per cent.
E-cigarette use was up about four per cent, with 47 per cent of users saying their last e-cigarette contained nicotine.
More Canadians aged 15 years and old reported using cannabis, with a slight increase of one per cent.
Psychoactive pharmaceutical drug use remained at 21 per cent.
The use of opioid pain relievers, both therapeutic use and abuse, declined to 13 per cent in 2015 from 15 per cent in 2013.
Illicit drug use also saw a slight increase; now with two per cent of Canadians aged 15 and older reported to have used at least one of five illicit drugs (cocaine or crack, speed or methamphetamine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, or heroin) in the last year, compared to 1.6 per cent three years ago.