Mandatory health warnings on liquor, beer and wine in Canada could be a thing of the future under a private bill taken up by the Senate social affairs committee, according to Blacklock's Reporter.
"We have cannabis companies in Canada and tobacco companies that have to put warnings on their products, but when it comes to alcohol, no, those companies are given a free ride," testified bill sponsor Sen. Patrick Brazeau, who is a recovering alcoholic.
"We all know about the negative impacts of alcohol."
An Act to Amend the Food and Drugs Act is a followup to a similar bill that lapsed in Parliament in 2023. His bill would mandate that all alcohol products carry a "label warning against the risks of alcohol consumption."
"This bill is not about prohibition or nanny state overreach," said Brazeau.
"It is about empowering consumers with facts. I mean, here's the bottom line: The alcohol industry and lobby are interested in one thing and one thing only and that's profits. They do not care about the health and well-being of Canadians."
Brazeau's issues with alcoholism led to his temporary suspension from the Senate in 2013 on an assault complaint. He later pleaded guilty and was granted an absolute discharge.
"It does ruin lives and kills people," said Brazeau.
"It's certainly not good for mental health. Personally, it led me down a very, very, very dark path, so dark I just wanted to put an end to my life. Luckily, I failed."
A 2024 Health Department report commissioned focus group research on "suggestions for regulatory measures" on alcohol, including warning labels.
"Findings suggest young people are receptive to communications or messaging about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and that such communications could impact their behaviour," said the report.
About 15% of Canadians consume a bottle of beer, glass of wine or 1.5-ounce shot of spirits a day, Statistics Canada said.