Experts point to B.C., Ontario for why Nova Scotia should not expand alcohol access

Nova Scotia is being urged to scrap any thoughts of expanding alcohol sales by a group of experts based in Ontario.

The letter — signed by eight people from organizations such as the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research and Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation Project — has been sent to Premier Tim Houston and members of the legislature.

It warns that more access to alcohol could have damaging impacts. It cited examples from B.C. and Ontario, where retail access has increased.

"We need to get that message to the province before they make the same mistakes as Ontario and British Columbia have made," said Ian Culbert, the executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association, who is a signatory.

The letter, signed by public health and policy experts, said research in both provinces shows when it is easier to buy booze, the health risks go up as well.

It said that after Ontario expanded retail access to alcohol in 2015, alcohol-related emergency department visits rose in two years by more than 24,000. In B.C., a 20 per cent increase in alcohol retail outlets was linked to a 3.25 per cent increase in alcohol-related deaths.

The letter points to alcohol-related harms, including avoidable hospitalizations, preventable deaths and heightened risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.

"Alcohol is one of the leading causes of cancer after tobacco. In fact, it can lead to the development of nine different types of cancers," said Brandon Purcell, who also signed the letter and is with the Canadian Cancer Society.

"Only about 50 per cent of folks in Atlantic Canada are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer."

The Nova Scotia Alcohol Policy Coalition already issued its own warning to the province in a letter it sent to MLAs last month.

It said that in 2022, alcohol was responsible for 571 deaths and almost 44,200 emergency department and hospital visits across the province.

Survey underway in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is conducting a public opinion survey to see what people think about expanding retail access to alcohol.

The survey, which closes Monday, includes questions on health and safety considerations for any potential changes, the types of stores where alcohol can be sold and locations where people are allowed to consume it.

A news release issued last month said it is a good time to examine how alcohol is sold and consumed, in part because the province is taking steps to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.

The release said about 1,500 Nova Scotians would be surveyed.

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