VIMHS

People First Radio

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society

  • Evaluating Ottawa’s rules around alcohol

Evaluating Ottawa’s rules around alcohol

Friday 7th June 2024

Elizabeth Farquh discusses Canada's federal alcohol policies, their health impacts, and recommendations for improvement.
35 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Eye-opening
Educational
Compassionate

About this podcast

People First Radio
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Evaluating Canada's Alcohol Policies: A Deep Dive with Elizabeth Farquh

Episode Overview

  • Over 17,000 Canadians die annually due to alcohol-related causes.
  • Alcohol-related hospital visits exceed 800,000 each year in Canada.
  • Current federal alcohol policies are not aligned with public health best practices.
  • Marketing regulations allow targeted advertising towards vulnerable populations.
  • Stronger policies, including better warning labels and stricter advertising regulations, are needed.
Policies that nudge people to make healthier decisions without explicitly telling them what to do or impinging on their freedoms.
In this episode of People First Radio, Elizabeth Farquh from the University of Victoria's Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research sheds light on Canada's federal alcohol policies. Elizabeth discusses the staggering health and economic impacts of alcohol in Canada, revealing that over 17,000 Canadians die annually due to alcohol-related causes. With hospital visits exceeding 800,000 each year, the need for effective alcohol policies is more pressing than ever.
Elizabeth's research critiques the federal government's approach, highlighting the gaps in alignment with public health best practices. She points out that marketing regulations are particularly lax, allowing alcohol advertisements to target vulnerable populations like women and youth. Elizabeth advocates for stronger policies, including better warning labels and stricter advertising regulations, to nudge people towards healthier decisions without infringing on their freedoms.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about public health and the role of government in regulating harmful substances.