March 5, 2026

Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
The Senate of Canada
soci@sen.parl.gc.ca

Hon. Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health, Health Canada
hcminister.ministresc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Hon. Sylvia Jones Minister of Health
Government of Ontario
sylvia.jones@ontario.ca

Dear Committee Members and Honourable Ministers,

Re: Support for the Statement from Provincial/Territorial Chief Medical Officers of Health on Labelling of Alcohol Products and for Bill S‑202, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages).

On behalf of the Lakelands Public Health (LPH) Board of Health, we are writing to formally communicate our endorsement of the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s policy recommendations (enclosed) regarding mandatory alcohol labelling in Canada from January 22, 2026, approved by the LPH Board of Health on February 18, 2026.

Alcohol consumption is widespread across Ontario and Canada and is associated with significant, well-documented health harms. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and is linked to cancer, addiction, chronic disease, mental health impacts, and injury. Despite these risks, alcohol remains highly normalized and increasingly accessible, while consumer-facing health protections have not kept pace.

Unlike tobacco and medical cannabis products, alcohol containers in Canada are not required to carry comprehensive, standardized health warning labels. This regulatory gap limits consumers’ ability to make fully informed decisions. Although approximately 75% of Canadians aged 15 and older report consuming alcohol, more than 40% are unaware that alcohol increases the risk of cancer. Clear, visible health warnings and standard drink information are essential to closing this knowledge gap.

The burden of alcohol-related harm is also evident locally. According to Public Health Ontario, in 2019-2020, 82.3% of Peterborough residents report having one or more drinks over the past 12 months. Between 2009 and 2022, Peterborough had the fourth highest rate of alcohol-attributable hospitalizations across Ontario. Haliburton, Kawartha, and Northumberland saw 4,573 alcohol-overdose related emergency department visits between 2019-2023, and 19 alcohol-toxicity related deaths between 2018 and 2022. This data underscores the significant and ongoing impact of alcohol use within our communities and reinforce the need for stronger public health measures.

Established in 2025, LPH was formed by the merger of Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. (HKPR) The LPH Board of Health continues the legacy of evidence‑informed advocacy and remains committed to advancing policies that reduce alcohol-related harms and strengthen public health protections across our combined region.

Previous advocacy from the former boards of health includes:

• 2019: PPH urged the Government of Ontario to develop a comprehensive provincial alcohol strategy.
• 2023: HKPR called on the Government of Canada to require enhanced alcohol labelling under the Food and Drugs Act.
• 2023: Both former boards expressed support for Bill S‑254 (Alcohol Warning Labels) and Motion M‑61 (National Alcohol Warning Label Strategy).

LPH continues to recognize alcohol-related harms as a significant and growing burden on individuals, families, and communities. We support the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s evidence-informed recommendations for mandatory, regulated health labelling on all alcohol containers manufactured and sold in Canada. This includes prominent health warnings, alignment with Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health, and standardized drink information.
Aligning alcohol labelling requirements with Canada’s regulatory approach to commercial tobacco and non-medical cannabis would promote consistency, transparency, and consumer protection. Mandatory labels are a cost-effective, population-level measure that increases awareness, supports informed decision-making, and contributes to long-term harm reduction.

Sincerely,

Original signed by
Deputy Mayor Ron Black
Chair, Board of Health
/ag
Encl.: MLHU Resolution, January 2026
cc: Local MPs and MPPs
Ontario Boards of Health
Association of Local Public Health Agencies