UPDATE
ADVERTISING OF ALCOHOL AND NEED FOR CONTINUED EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Whereas #1:
In 1974, the National Council of Women (NCWC) asked the Government of Canada to prohibit advertising for Alcohol and Tobacco and, in 1976, NCWC asked the Government of Canada to launch an educational campaign on the dangers of tobacco and alcohol; and
Whereas #2:
Federal, Provincial, Territorial, and Municipal governments have managed to reduce consumption of tobacco through a suite of policies, educational measures, and regulations; and
Whereas #3:
Health Canada officials have warned of the considerable increase in the number of women drinking heavily and the wide range of harms, such as babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and other social and health issues; and
Whereas #4:
Health Canada's 2018 Report: State of Canada’s Health, warned of the continued high rates of problematic alcohol consumption among youth, with data showing 25% of youth in grades 7 to 12 use alcohol excessively; and
Whereas #5:
The tobacco industry has a number of restrictions on the promotion of its product; however, the alcohol industry continues to heavily advertise an enjoyable, stress-free drinking lifestyle through marketing tools such as social media, magazine ads, and internet sales; therefore be it
Resolved #1:
That the NCWC adopt as policy that there be a strong suite of federal government policies, regulations, and educational measures regarding the promotional marketing of alcohol and the dangers of alcohol consumption, particularly for women of childbearing age and youth; and be it further
Resolved #2:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a) Strengthen its policies and regulations regarding marketing of alcohol in all its forms;
b) Initiate an intensive educational campaign regarding the dangers of alcohol consumption, particularly for women of childbearing age and youth; and
c) Work with the Provinces and Territories to develop similar regulations regarding the promotion and sale of alcohol and educational campaigns regarding the dangers of alcohol consumption, particularly for women of childbearing age and youth.