Letters
OPHA seeks to be an independent voice for a broadly defined conception of Public Health. Through strategic collaborations with governments and partnerships with health units, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), addiction centres, academic institutions and community health centres, OPHA has succeeded in addressing and influencing the broader elements of health policy as well as a wide range of specific Public Health issues.
OPHA invites you to review the record of our correspondence on a wide variety of current issues, listed either by Year, or by Topic Area (grouped by the relevant OPHA Workgroup or Program). Refer to menu links at right.
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Municipalities pass resolutions to keep alcohol out of convenience stores
In September’s Issues to Watch article, it was reported that the Ontario Convenience Store Association (OCSA) was conducting a petition-signing campaign to advocate the provincial government to allow alcohol to be sold in convenience stores. In response to this action, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada (MADD) in collaboration with the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) disseminated a policy brief on this specific issue to each municipality in Ontario.
To date, more than two dozen letters have been processed through OPHA with the majority sharing the same concerns outlined in the policy brief. Further, nine municipalities outlined new resolutions in support of the issue.
“We were hoping to raise awareness among community leaders of the harms associated with selling alcohol in convenience stores,” said Andrew Murie, Chief Executive Officer of MADD Canada. “It has been very positive to read of the many municipalities within Ontario who agree that alcohol does not belong in convenience stores. Numerous Councils notified us of recent local resolutions being passed opposing any plans of loosening current alcohol controls.”
MADD Canada will be following up with appropriate provincial Ministers over the next several months to discuss health and safety concerns among Ontarians in regards to alcohol control issues.
To view MADD Canada’s letter, please visit: Here
To view a sample of response letter, please visit: below
Sample Letter