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.
A 50 Cent per Litre Levy:
- Has the potential to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages
- Can provide funding for health promotion aimed at keeping Albertans healthy and out of the hospital
Learn more: Download our latest infographic for Alberta
Learn more about a Levy on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Take Action to Support a Levy on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Alberta
- Help us spread the word. Download the images and share on Twitter or Facebook.
- Write a letter to your MLA. To find your MLA click here. For a sample letter that you can use to email your government representative click here.
Resources to Support your Efforts
- It’s Time for a Levy on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Infographic
- Stories of Policy Change: Taxing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
- APCCP News Release: Alberta Respondents Support Tax on Sugary Drinks
- The Health and Economic Impact of a Tax on Sugary Drinks in Alberta
- Insights on the Influence of Sugar Taxes on Obesity Prevention Efforts