Experts told Ontario to start ‘small,’ ‘slowly’ in alcohol expansion plan. They were ignored
Global News
Documents obtained by Global News show anti-drunk driving and addiction groups told Ontario to be careful in expanding alcohol sales, but the government sped up its timeline.
In early 2023, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government were closing in on a framework to greenlight the sale of beer, wine and pre-mixed drinks in convenience and grocery stores across the province, finally delivering a years’ old promise.
As the policy took shape, officials reached out to stakeholders and experts to get their specialist advice on the finer points of the plan. Around April 2023, the government sat down with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Arrive Alive and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health.
A summary of the advice the Ford government received from the three groups — obtained by Global News using freedom of information laws — shows the advocacy groups and experts cautioned the province against moving too quickly, warning that making alcohol more available would come with risks.
Just over half a year later, the government announced it would allow convenience stores across Ontario to sell alcohol by 2026. Months after that, in May 2024, Ford supercharged that timeline, paying The Beer Store $225 million to liberalize alcohol sales beginning in 2024.
“They’ve all told the government to go slowly … and none of their recommendations were listened to,” Ontario NDP Health Critic France Gelinas said, after reviewing a copy of the document obtained by Global News.
“Not only has everybody told the government, ‘Go slow’ because there is harm that comes with the availability of alcohol and consumption of alcohol, they’ve completely disregarded that, are going fast and at the same time they have not increased the resources for the people who will reach out for help.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, which is leading the alcohol sales expansion, said the government’s “responsible and balanced approach treats consumers like adults by giving them more choice and convenience.”
The summary of stakeholder feedback obtained by Global News included detailed notes on meetings with MADD, Arrive Alive and CAMH.
