The Childes Obesity Foundation applauds the recommendation to apply PST to sugary drinks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, November 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The report of the Select Committee on Finance and Government Services in British Columbia today again recommends that PST be applied to sugary drinks. This is a step in the right direction.

There is a strong scientific consensus that the excessive intake of sugary drinks is a major risk factor for the development of obesity in children and adults. Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke and 13 different cancers. Overconsumption of sugary drinks is also an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, regardless of weight.

"The consumption of sweetened beverages in British Columbia is estimated to result in health care costs of $ 130 million a year," says Dr. Tom. Warshawski, pediatrician and president of the Childhood Obesity Foundation. "However, sugary drinks are not subject to PST, the province's main source of revenue used to pay for health care costs. This product obviously does not pay its fair share of the health care costs it triggers. It is time to remove the special status of sugary drinks and apply the PST to these products. This measure would also be a useful measure to discourage the consumption of sugary drinks, "adds Dr Warshawski.

For many years, the Childhood Obesity Foundation has been asking the British Columbia government to extend the daily sales tax to sweetened beverages. remove the current exemption for this product. The Childhood Obesity Foundation estimates that this measure will reduce consumption, facilitate personal liability and generate at least $ 30 million in revenue.

Proceeds from the taxation of sweetened beverages could partially recover the health costs of excessive consumption of sugary drinks. The Childhood Obesity Foundation recommends that funds be used to fund health promotion initiatives in British Columbia. healthy eating and active lifestyles to promote children's healthy weight and the resulting physical and emotional benefits. The vision of the Childhood Obesity Foundation is for children and youth in Canada to be free from chronic diseases caused by unhealthy weight. retirementobesityfoundation.ca

For further information or interviews with Dr. Warshawski, please contact:

. [Enfance Obésité]] [email protected]