Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Deaths in Canada (2000–2023): Persistent Burden with Modest Variations

Chronic lower respiratory diseases—such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis—have remained a leading cause of death in Canada for over two decades. From 2000 to 2023, deaths in this category have ranged from about 9,700 to nearly 13,100 annually, typically accounting for 4% to 4.8% of all deaths.

In 2023, there were 12,994 deaths from chronic respiratory conditions, making up 4.0% of total national mortality and ranking as the 5th leading cause of death.

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Deaths in Canada

Characteristics	Rank of leading causes of death 19	Number of deaths	Percentage of deaths
2000	4	9,813	4.5
2001	4	9,773	4.5
2002	4	9,877	4.4
2003	4	10,162	4.5
2004	4	10,041	4.4
2005	4	10,515	4.6
2006	4	9,786	4.3
2007	4	10,659	4.5
2008	4	10,923	4.6
2009	4	10,859	4.6
2010	5	10,757	4.5
2011	4	11,243	4.6
2012	5	11,130	4.5
2013	4	11,976	4.7
2014	4	11,876	4.6
2015	4	12,573	4.8
2016	5	12,293	4.6
2017	5	12,912	4.6
2018	5	13,086	4.6
2019	5	12,917	4.5
2020	6	11,895	3.9
2021	6	11,029	3.5
2022	6	12,632	3.7
2023	5	12,994	4

Key Trends:

• Peak deaths occurred in 2015, with 12,573 deaths (4.8%).
• Annual death counts remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 9,700 and 13,000.
• While rank has shifted slightly—from 4th to 6th—the disease remains a top 5 cause of death most years.

Public Health Significance:

Smoking history, aging, air pollution, and occupational exposures all contribute to these diseases. Despite public health progress in tobacco control, the data shows chronic respiratory conditions continue to exact a heavy toll, particularly among older Canadians.

Source:

Source Name:	Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0394-01 Leading causes of death, total population, by age group
Source Link:	https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310039401
Release Date:	2025-02-19