Experts point to B.C., Ontario for why Nova Scotia should not expand alcohol access
Nova Scotia is facing pressure to halt any plans for expanding alcohol sales, as a group of experts from Ontario have issued a warning about the potential negative impacts. The letter, signed by eight individuals representing organizations such as the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation Project, has been addressed to Premier Tim Houston and members of the legislature.
The experts highlighted examples from provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, where increased retail access to alcohol led to adverse consequences. Ian Culbert, the executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association and one of the signatories, emphasized the importance of preventing Nova Scotia from repeating the mistakes made in other provinces.
According to the letter, research conducted in both B.C. and Ontario revealed that easier access to alcohol correlates with higher health risks. For instance, after Ontario expanded retail access to alcohol in 2015, there was a significant increase in alcohol-related emergency department visits. Similarly, in B.C., a rise in alcohol retail outlets was linked to an increase in alcohol-related deaths.
The letter outlined various alcohol-related harms, including avoidable hospitalizations, preventable deaths, and an elevated risk of chronic diseases like cancer. Brandon Purcell, a representative from the Canadian Cancer Society who also signed the letter, stressed that alcohol is a leading cause of cancer and that awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and cancer is low in Atlantic Canada.
The Nova Scotia Alcohol Policy Coalition has previously warned the province about the dangers associated with alcohol consumption. In a letter sent to MLAs last month, the coalition highlighted statistics showing that alcohol was responsible for hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in 2022.
Currently, Nova Scotia is conducting a public opinion survey to gauge public sentiment regarding the expansion of retail access to alcohol. The survey, which closes on Monday, includes questions about health and safety considerations, the types of stores permitted to sell alcohol, and designated consumption areas. The province is using this opportunity to assess how alcohol is sold and consumed, particularly in light of efforts to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.
As Nova Scotia navigates this issue, it is crucial for policymakers to consider the warnings issued by experts and advocacy groups to prioritize public health and safety in decisions related to alcohol sales and consumption.
