There is concern about the province’s plans to expand on the sale of beer.
The Ford government wants beer and wine available in convenience stores and more grocery and big box stores by 2026.
Community mental health and addictions organizations are concerned with the negative effects of making alcohol more readily available.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Fort Frances branch, Charlene Strain, says the link between alcohol and mental health is already well-documented.
“Those who use alcohol have an increased rate of mental health issues, and those with mental health issues have an increased rate of alcohol use. We know that alcohol is a depressant, and alcohol dependence has been associated with clinical depression,” says Strain.
Strain says it is also known that drinking five or more drinks per occasion for men, four or more for women, can lead to increased thoughts of suicide.
“So, if we have an increased access to alcohol, we’re going to see increased mental health issues, increased rates of suicide, increased rates of depression, and so on.”
CMHA Ontario has brought forward four recommendations for the government to consider.
It begins with halting the expansion of beer and wine sales and implementing health-based regulatory controls.
CMHA also seeks stronger controls on advertising and marketing of alcohol to prevent youth exposure.
Other recommendations include putting greater priority on alcohol and drug treatment programs and the creation of a comprehensive alcohol strategy.
“Alcohol should be addressed as a public health issue with clearly outlined goals and strategies to reduce harms and mitigate risks. And implementing a government-endorsed and funded evidence-based alcohol strategy that is independent of industry interests will support efforts to prevent health risks associated with alcohol use and reduce the burden of alcohol harms,” says Strain.
The government has pledged to continue consulting with public health organizations on this issue.
It is also committing $10 million over five years to social responsibility and public health measures.