Canadian Diabetes Association encouraged by survey findings in support of a tax on sugary drinks
EDMONTON, Alta. – The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is pleased to see public support of a tax on sugary drinks as noted in the results from a recent survey conducted by the Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease Prevention (APCCP). The CDA is one of 17 member organizations that form the APCCP working together to advocate for healthy policy changes for a healthier Alberta.
“If Alberta was to lead the way with a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to help keep our residents healthy, this would signal a strong message to the rest of Canada to take action,” says Scott McRae, regional director for Alberta and Northwest Territories, CDA. “The CDA has been advocating for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, because of the clear evidence of a direct link between excessive consumption of these types of beverages and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”
Type 2 diabetes is a national health crisis. Another Canadian is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes. Urgent action is needed now on several fronts to reduce consumption of sugars and thereby lessen the burden of obesity and diabetes in Canada. In order to curb this epidemic, several interventions are required, including improved food security, transparent nutrition labelling, improved access to tap water, and a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.