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Canadian Public Health Association

Alcohol Policy and Public Health in Canada

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PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS

Canada needs a federal government that prioritizes public health, including a comprehensive approach to alcohol regulation. Alcohol misuse continues to be a significant contributor to public health issues, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country. It is essential for the federal government to take leadership in implementing evidence-based policies that reduce alcohol-related harm.

A Higher Standard

Alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for chronic disease, injury, and premature death in Canada. In 2020, alcohol use contributed to approximately 18,000 deaths in Canada, including those from cancer, liver disease, and injuries (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2024). Additionally, alcohol-related hospitalizations in Canada exceed those for heart attacks, underscoring the burden on the healthcare system (Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms, 2023).

Canada’s federal government has a responsibility to implement policies that reduce alcohol-related harms. This includes taxation, regulation of marketing and advertising, and public health campaigns. International evidence shows that increasing alcohol taxes and restricting marketing can significantly reduce alcohol consumption and associated harms (World Health Organization, 2024).

It’s time for Canada to do better.

Why It Matters

Despite growing evidence of alcohol’s harms, federal policies in Canada remain inconsistent and insufficient. The economic cost of alcohol-related harm in Canada is estimated at $16.6 billion annually, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses (Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms, 2023).

The federal government plays a crucial role in shaping alcohol policy, particularly through taxation, advertising regulations, and health policy initiatives. Research indicates that alcohol-related harms disproportionately affect structurally disadvantaged communities, exacerbating social inequalities (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2023).

In contrast, countries with strong national alcohol strategies, such as Scotland and Australia, have seen reductions in alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths after implementing evidence-based policies (World Health Organization, 2024).

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

  1. National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes evidence-based policies to reduce alcohol-related harms, including regulations on pricing, marketing, and availability.
  2. Stronger Alcohol Marketing Regulations: Enforce stricter regulations on alcohol advertising, including digital and social media platforms, to prevent youth and vulnerable populations from being targeted.
  3. Increased Public Education and Awareness Campaigns: Expand federally funded public education initiatives to raise awareness of alcohol-related health risks, particularly its links to cancer and mental health disorders.
  4. Minimum Unit Pricing Policies: Establish national guidelines on minimum unit pricing to discourage excessive alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol-related health and social harms.
  5. Enhanced Federal-Provincial Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with provinces and territories to harmonize alcohol policy efforts, ensuring a coordinated approach to reducing harm across jurisdictions.
  6. Investment in Alcohol Research and Surveillance: Increase federal funding for research on alcohol consumption trends, health impacts, and the effectiveness of harm reduction policies, including enhanced surveillance and reporting mechanisms.

Questions for the Candidates

  • Does your party recognize alcohol-related harm as a public health issue that requires stronger federal intervention?
  • Will your party commit to increasing federal alcohol taxes to reflect the true social and health costs of alcohol consumption?
  • How will your party collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to develop a national alcohol harm reduction strategy?
  • What will your party do to regulate alcohol advertising, particularly to protect youth and vulnerable populations?

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