Mandatory booze warnings sought by Canadian senator: Report

Mandatory health warnings on liquor, beer and wine in Canada could be a thing of the future under a private bill passed by the Senate Social Affairs Committee, according to Blacklock's Reporter.

Contents of the article

“We have cannabis companies in Canada and tobacco companies that have to put warnings on their products, but when it comes to alcohol, no, those companies get a free ride,” testified bill sponsor Sen. Patrick Brazeau, a recovering alcoholic.

Contents of the article

“We all know the negative effects of alcohol.”

The Food and Drugs Act Amendment Bill is a continuation of a similar bill that expired in Parliament in 2023. His bill would require all alcohol products to carry “alcohol warning labels.”

“This bill is not about prohibition or abuse of the nanny state,” Brazeau said.

“It's about giving consumers the facts. I mean, here's the bottom line: the alcohol industry and the lobby are interested in one thing and one thing only – profit. They don't care about the health and well-being of Canadians.”

Contents of the article

Brazeau's problems with alcoholism led to his suspension from the Senate in 2013 over an assault complaint. He later pleaded guilty and was completely released.

“It really destroys lives and kills people,” Brazeau said.

“It's definitely not good for your mental health. Personally, it led me down a very, very, very dark path, so dark that I just wanted to kill myself. Luckily, I didn't succeed.”

The Department of Health's 2024 report conducted focus group research on “proposals for regulation” on alcohol, including warning labels.

“The results suggest that young people are receptive to messages or communications about the harmful effects of drinking and that such communication can influence their behavior,” the report said.

According to Statistics Canada, about 15% of Canadians drink a bottle of beer, glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of spirits per day.