Hastings Prince Edward Medical Officer of Health has concerns regarding the Ontario government’s move toward increased availability of alcohol.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza told the board on Wednesday that public health wants to create an environment where people are “nudged” to make a healthier choice.
Statistics show a high percentage of people are hospitalized locally for alcohol related injuries.
Oglaza tells Quinte News the announced increased availability and increased access to alcohol is a concern and education is not enough.
Health unit local statistics from 2012 to 2016: Top five causes of hospitalizations for injury attributable to alcohol:
15 to 69 years of age – 47.1% self inflicted harm
17.6% falls
16.6% other unintentional injuries
7.6% motor vehicle collisions
3.2% poisoning
Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson, May 1, 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville Councillor Garnet Thompson said “We should respect young people. It’s available one way or another.”
Board member Prince Edward County Councillor Andreas Bolk said “We should treat adults as adults” and suggested the health unit “look to Europe” for ideas.
Oglaza plans to obtain ideas from other jurisdictions and from Europe to help solve the problem.
The board decided to write a letter to the Ministry of Health indicating the increased availability of alcohol “is not a good idea”.
Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government is considering changes that would have alcohol for sale in corner stores, allow alcohol in public parks, and served at restaurants at 9 a.m.
