Home > Issues to Watch > September 2005
This is a monthly discussion of "issues to watch" in the field of alcohol policy. September 2005
Update on the Beverage Alcohol Review Panel Report Since the Summer edition of Issues to Watch, the beverage alcohol review panel released their report on alcohol service in Ontario. This report provides the first major review of the beverage alcohol system in more than 75 years. One recommendation by the panel was to sell the LCBO to private investors. To the relief of public health agencies across Ontario, the minister of finance, Greg Sorbara, immediately rejected the idea of privatizing the LCBO. "Let me be clear - we are not selling the LCBO," said Sorbara shortly after the report was released. "We will not turn the LCBO into an income trust. And, we will not permit selling of beer and wine in corner stores…It is our very strong view that the public interest of Ontarians is best served by the continued public ownership of the LCBO," concluded Sorbara. The OPHA issued a press release in support of the governments' decision [PDF]. However, the government has noted they will review other recommendations in the report closely, which is said to increase value, convenience, and transparency for all Ontarians from the beverage alcohol system. This review is a concern among the public health field, as some recommendations are not in the interest of the public’s health and safety [PDF]. Newbie Teleconference This Fall The Alcohol Policy Network and the Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario, along with Parent Action on Drugs, the Ontario Drug Awareness Partnership, Council on Drug Abuse, and FOCUS Resource Centres are co-hosting a teleconference titled: Newbie Orientation 101: An Orientation to the Substance Abuse Field for New Professionals. This 2-hour teleconference takes place on Thursday, September 22nd, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM EDT, and will explore different organizations and resources which can inform your work. The orientation will also include a thorough web tour of the participating organizations to ensure you know where to find what when! If you have been working in the substance abuse prevention field for less than one year, this teleconference is recommended for you! Registration and event details will be available in the Teleconference section of our website and links via the APOLNET listserv in early September. "Quick, easy to follow, and very informative … Allows for a chance to contact resources in the field of addiction and substance abuse … Well done, great job to all involved!" |