Alcohol is a leading risk factor for disease, disability and premature death in Canada. Short-term health risks associated with alcohol include: injuries, violence and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol can also lead to serious long-term health risks such as: cancer, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, mental illness and alcohol dependence. Several interventions are shown to be effective in promoting moderate alcohol use, raising awareness of and reducing alcohol-related harms, and supporting healthier communities. We provide expertise and resources on developing, planning and implementing alcohol-related interventions including policy, screening, labelling and advertising.
Sub Topics
Municipal Alcohol Policies (MAP) Repository
This page contains a list of municipal alcohol policies in Ontario.
Audio Presentation: Alcohol Policy
The focus of this audio presentation series is on the role of a comprehensive, policy-led approach to mitigating alcohol-related harms. The basics of policy as a health promotion strategy are introduced. World Health Organization research about key alcohol policy approaches for public health practitioners and policy-makers are explained.
Municipal Alcohol Policy Intake Form
To submit a new or revised MAP for inclusion to the GIS map and the MAP repository please complete the Municipal Alcohol Policy Intake Form.
Focus On: Alcohol Marketing
Overview of current research evidence on the impact of alcohol marketing on different populations; best practices in policy development and knowledge gaps are discussed.
Updated 12 Oct 2016
Awareness and Knowledge of Canada's Low Risk Drinking Guidelines (LRDG)
Visual summary of study examining awareness and knowledge of Canada's Low Risk Drinking Guidelines (LRDG).
Interactive Report
Alcohol Use Snapshot
Indicators include self-reported rate of heavy drinking, underage drinking and exceeding the low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines for chronic disease or injury.
PHU and LHIN data from 2015–16 CCHS cycle (Archived: PHU 2003 to 2013–14).
Canadian Chief Public Health Officer's Report on Alcohol, 2015 - Government of Canada
Drinking Guidelines - Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms - Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Preventing Problematic Substance Use in Youth - The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on The State of Public Health in Canada 2018
Rethink Your Drinking