Does it really matter what age they set for legal sale of cigarettes when there are no possession laws?
 In Canada, federal law makes it an offence to sell or give tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. Six provinces, including Ontario and one territory have exceeded the federal requirement by making it an offence to sell or give tobacco to anyone under the age of 19. The only provinces that prohibit possession of tobacco by minors are Nova Scotia (confiscation of the products) and Alberta (fine of not more than $100).
 "As the police officer was writing the ticket, the 15-year-old passenger – the reason the car was stopped – hopped out of the car and lit her own cigarette. Legally. And the officer could do nothing about it. There is no law prohibiting a 15-year-old girl from smoking. It is only illegal to purchase or sell tobacco to anyone under 19 years of age." The fact that youth can smoke openly in public with impunity sends an inconsistent message.