The APCCP is calling on the Premier to establish a 50 cent per litre levy on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to reduce their consumption and generate revenue for Alberta.
SSBs, which include soft drinks and energy drinks, are a source of unnecessary added sugar in the diet. They offer virtually no health benefits and have been linked to serious chronic conditions, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, which place enormous burden on Albertan’s quality of life. Despite this, SSBs are relatively inexpensive, widely available and marketed by an aggressive industry.
A levy on SSBs will reduce consumption of these unhealthy products. Revenue generated from a levy should also be used to fund health promotion initiatives aimed at keeping Albertans healthy and out of the hospital.
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