The Hastings Prince Edward Board of Heath is concerned about the provincial government’s plan to expand the sale of alcoholic beverages, citing high rates of binge drinking, and other alcohol statistics locally.
In a letter to Premier Doug Ford, approved on Wednesday, the board outlines its concerns.
It states increased availability, pricing and advertising increases harm.
Latest data shows that, in 2014, 41.6% of adults in the two counties are binge drinkers, 44.45 % of adults in the two counties exceeded low risk alcohol drinking guidelines. The area also has a higher overall rate of injury-related hospitalization attributed to alcohol in the province.
The letter reads in part, “We are particularly concerned about our vulnerable residents, including youth, individuals living on low income and those with substance abuse concerns. … it is well known that alcohol is the most commonly used substance among grade 7-12 students in Ontario…consumption by youths and other vulnerable populations is strongly influenced by the density of alcohol outlets.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Peter Oglaza tells Quinte News that in affluent communities people are more likely to drink responsibly.
He’s concerned about other areas.
Belleville Councillor Sean Kelly at Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health, June 5 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Board member Belleville Councillor Sean Kelly told the board “the statistics should send a message to Queens Park.”
Kelly says he’s “surprised the Minister of Health Christine Elliott is not supporting everything our research says and it is not a good thing.” He’s disappointed the minister “is buying into this media wave.”
Belleville Councillor Bill Sandison called the data “irrefutable” and said he was “disappointed” in the government’s plan.
Quinte West Councillor Terry Cassidy urged that the letter go to other party leaders at Queen’s Park, not just the government.
Oglaza says public health will work with municipalities on the issue. “There might be some areas under certain circumstances where this is something that could have less harm or minimal harm. We’ll be looking at these different options for municipalities and working together to find the best solution that fits the local community and the local context, and attempts to minimize the risk that is going to come from the change in policy at the provincial level.”
The board’s letter indicates “The full and partial privatization of alcohol sales in Alberta and British Columbia (respectively) have been followed by significant increases in alcohol-related traffic incidents, suicides and lower compliance with age of sale policies.
The board is asking the province to reconsider its decision to expand the sale of alcohol.
