Support for the position of Dietitians of Canada on taxation and sugar-sweetened beverages as part of a comprehensive healthy eating approach (Motion #05-17)

Moved by Pilon – Noland. Approved by the Sudbury & District Board of Health, January 19, 2017.

WHEREAS obesity results from a complex interaction of many factors including genetic, social and environmental; and

WHEREAS 32% of Canadian children and youth have excess weight or obesity; and

WHEREAS intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is one of the dietary factors leading to increased rates of overweight and obesity; and

WHEREAS children with high intakes of sugar sweetened beverages are 55% more likely to have obesity or excess weight in comparison to those with low intakes; and

WHEREAS available evidence suggests that policy efforts which decrease the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages have the potential to positively impact the health of Canadians; and

WHEREAS the Dietitians of Canada position statement on Taxation and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages identifies sugar-sweetened beverage taxation as a public health intervention with potential positive health impact, especially when combined with further policy efforts; and

WHEREAS Dietitians of Canada recommends that an excise tax of at least 10-20% be applied to sugar sweetened beverages sold in Canada; and

WHEREAS a number of influential Canadian national organizations support a tax on sugar sweetened beverages including the Association of Local Public Health Agencies, the Childhood Obesity Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada, and the Canadian Diabetes Association;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health endorse the Position of Dietitians of Canada on Taxation and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, and urge the federal government to implement an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages; and

FURTHER THAT copies of this motion be shared with key provincial and national stakeholders.

CARRIED

This item was last modified on January 26, 2017