Ontario Premier Doug Ford has disagreed with the alcohol-related recommendations made by the province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore. Specifically, Ford opposed the idea of raising the legal drinking age from 19 to 21, stating that the government believes in treating people like adults. The province is currently working on expanding access to alcohol by allowing its sale in convenience and grocery stores, with plans to make it available outside of specific stores by 2026.
In his annual report, Dr. Moore expressed concern about a rising trend of binge drinking and vaping among Ontario youth, including the use of cannabis products. The report highlighted an increase in cannabis use among adults and a rise in alcohol toxicity-related deaths in the province. Moore recommended adding warning labels to alcoholic drinks and exploring the decriminalization of personal possession and use of illegal drugs. Ford disagreed with the recommendation to raise the drinking age, citing the fact that 19-year-olds are allowed to join the Canadian Armed Forces.
Moore’s report also recommended a more liberal attitude towards illegal drugs to allow for safer supply and reduce overdose deaths. He suggested attacking the issue of opioid overdoses from multiple angles, including providing safe supply to those in need of treatment for addiction. However, Minister of Health Sylvi Jones expressed skepticism about the recommendations, stating that the government was not exploring the expert suggestions. Jones’ office raised concerns about the unintended consequences and public safety issues that could arise from the decriminalization of hard drugs.
Overall, the debate over alcohol-related recommendations in Ontario has highlighted differing opinions on how to address substance use and harm reduction. While Dr. Moore advocates for more restrictions on legal substances and a liberal approach to illegal drugs, Premier Ford and Minister Jones express reservations about certain recommendations. The government’s focus on treating adults like adults and concerns about public safety play a significant role in their decision-making process. As the province navigates these complex issues, the goal remains to find effective strategies to address substance use, reduce harm, and protect the well-being of Ontarians.
