Alcohol Policy Update

A Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Alcohol Policy Network
Feel free to copy & distribute
Vol. 16, Jan./Feb./Mar. 1999

A New Look For APOLNET

Have you checked out the Alcohol Policy Network web site lately? If you haven't, please take a few minutes to browse through the hundreds of updated documents, links and resources. While not all the materials from our old site have been converted to the "new look," chances are you'll find out what you're looking for. Here's a summary of what's there:

Hot Issues http://www.apolnet.org/issues.html

This section is updated weekly, sometimes daily, and features links and information on emerging alcohol policy issues. Among the 10 hot issues currently posted, are links to over 17 presentations made to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on the proposed changes to the Drinking and Driving sections of the Criminal Code. This is the section to visit for alcohol policy news in between issues of Alcohol Policy Update.

Action Packs http://www.apolnet.org/actpacks/actpacks.html

This section features a wealth of research materials, position papers and links to legislative bills and debates on 20 different topics. Particularly recommended for those new to the substance abuse field are Alcohol Policy 101 and Policy-Making in Canada. Both action packs include practical information on various aspects of alcohol policy in Ontario, Canada, the US and Europe, as well as resources for community action, including background information on the Canadian political system, and tips for organizing and sustaining coalitions, committees and workgroups and working with the media and elected officials. To view documents from unlinked action packs (those yet to be updated and reformatted), use the Search function.

Resources http://www.apolnet.org/resources/resources.html

The Resources section is essentially an index of the site organized by document type. Currently there are links to APN publications, including past issues of this newsletter, New Resources, Research Papers, Position Papers and Bibliographies. Over the next few months, we will be adding links to popular journals, newsletters and newspapers, as well as health-related research databases such as Prevline and MedLine.

Contacts http://www.apolnet.org/contacts.html

Perhaps the most useful place on the site is the Contacts section. It contains directories and links to the federal, provincial and municipal governments; public agencies, boards and commissions; the alcohol and hospitality industries, the media; and community groups active in a variety of issues ranging from impaired driving, to alcohol advertising to liquor licensing. Also posted is a list of substance abuse contacts in public health excerpted from the latest issue of the "Red Book." To update this list, contact Jennifer Hance at apolnet@opha.on.ca.

Events http://www.apolnet.org/events.html

This section, a hotlink on the upper right-hand corner of the main page, contains links to the CCSA and Journal of Addictions and Mental Health calendars as well as a month-by-month listing of public health, addictions and injury prevention events planned for 1999. To add to the list, contact Ana Almeida.

Curious? Visit us at http://www.apolnet.org. Can't find what you're looking for? Drop us a line at apn@opha.on.ca.

Alcohol Policy Round Up

Province, Feds Crack Down on Drinking and Driving

On February 16, 1999, Ontario began impounding for a minimum of 45 days vehicles driven by persons who continue to drive while suspended for a Criminal Code offence. Vehicle owners are responsible for paying all towing and storage costs—$900 to $1,100 minimum. Impoundment yards have been set up across the province. According to MTO officials, some 240 cars had been seized as of April 7. Of the 17 appeals to date, 10 have been heard and all have been dismissed. According to Ministry sources, an evaluation of the legislation's impact will be conducted in the coming year. Also on the DUI front, the House of Commons Justice and Human Rights Committee met on March 25 to consider a draft report on proposed revisions to the impaired driving sections of the Criminal Code. Deliberations are set to continue April 13. For highlights of the hearings, visit the hot issues section of the APN web site. For more info on the vehicle impoundment program, contact your local police service or MTO, 416-235-3911. To order posters and brochures outlining the new provincial legislation, call the MTO Distribution Centre at 416-235-3473.

New Alcohol Labels Approved in US

On February 5, the US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) approved two labels for wine bottles, the first encouraging consumers to consult their family doctor about the health effects of wine, the second urging them to get that information from the Federal Government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans or the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion website. The announcement was accompanied by proposals to strengthen US alcohol labeling and marketing legislation to discourage alcohol misuse, particularly among youth. According to an ATF news release, the US government is considering rotating current alcohol warning label messages and requiring that alcohol ads, not just alcohol containers, carry a Government Warning Statement. It is also consulting the public on a proposed crackdown on "alco-pops," products that resemble fruit sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks and may be particularly appealing to children. This is the second time in less than a year that the US government has announced alcohol-related labelling changes. In October, the Food and Drug Administration introduced a regulation requiring over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and fever reducers sold in the US to carry a specific warning about the dangers of mixing alcohol and aspirin, acetaminophen (eg. Tylenol), ibuprofen (eg. Advil), naproxen sodium (eg. Alève) and ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT). The announcement was prompted by a successful $8 million lawsuit launched by a Virginia man who damaged his liver as a result of mixing Tylenol and wine. Health Canada is reviewing existing OTC labelling requirements and a decision is expected within the next few months. On the alcohol ad warnings and health labels front neither Health Canada, the CRTC, nor Parliament appear ready to follow suit. Both C-231 and C-383, the alcohol warning labels bills introduced by federal backbenchers, Paul Szabo (Liberal, Mississauga South) and Svend Robinson (NDP, Burnaby-Douglas) in October 1997 and March 1998 respectively, continue to languish in the pool of private members bills awaiting second reading. Action is expected on one front, however. Health Canada will soon be consulting with community groups on the compositional standards of Canadian whiskey, including whether to set a 40% minimum alcohol content for this product in compliance with EU standards. For info on the private members' bills, contact Mr. Szabo, Tel: 613-992-4848, or Mr. Robinson, Email: Robinson.S@parl.gc.ca. For updates on OTC alcohol warning labels, call Micheline Lo, Health Canada, Tel: 613-954-4922. For an update on the compositional standards of Canadian whiskey or for background information on alcohol advertising regulations, visit APOLNET.

Boating Safety Regulations Announced

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans officially unveiled new boating safety regulations on January 18 requiring, among other things, minimum age limits for operators of personal water craft and power boats above 10 horsepower; mandatory operator competency requirements to be phased-in over 10 years for all operators of recreational power boats; and new minimum safety equipment and operation standards for all boaters. For details check out the APN web site or call MFO at 613-996-0060. Meanwhile, efforts by Conservative backbencher Bill Grimmett (Muskoka-Georgian Bay) to introduce new boating safety legislation remain stalled, although sources indicate that the MPP will be re-introducing Bill 59 when the Legislature resumes sitting on April 22. For details contact Mr. Grimmett's office at 416-325-5667.

Snowmobiling Case Dismissed

On January 23, a Sudbury judge upheld the right of members of the Snowmobile Trail Officer Patrol (STOP) program to conduct spotchecks on Ontario trails. The court case was brought by Jason Duggan, a Walden resident who was stopped on an organized snowmobile trail a year ago and charged with having a blood alcohol level over the allowable limit. Justice Gilles Matte ruled that the operation of a snowmobile does fall under the Highway Traffic Act, Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, as well as the Criminal Code of Canada. He also ruled that spotchecks, while an infringement on personal liberty, were carefully controlled, reasonable and designed to protect and promote public safety. STOP is a collaborative program of the OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFCS) funded in part by the Labatt Safe Trails Program. For more info, call the OFSC, 705-739-7669. For updated stats, visit the STOP web site at www.stopofficer.com.

New Grade 9-10 Health & Physical Education Curriculum Released

On March 4, the Ministry of Education and Training released the new Ontario health and physical education curriculum for grades 9 and 10. Among other things, it requires Grade 9 students to be able to: 1) identify facts and myths related to the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (e.g., cannabis); 2) explain the effects of the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; 3) identify the major factors (e.g., environmental influences such as peer pressure, media influences, adolescent attitudes) that contribute to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; 4) identify the school and community resources involved in education, prevention and treatment with respect to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; 5) demonstrate and use both decision-making and assertion skills with respect to media influences and peer pressure related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; 6) describe solutions and strategies to address violence in the lives of young people; and 7) demonstrate effective personal strategies to minimize injury in adolescence. Grade 10 students will be required to know the factors that lead to substance dependence; the physiological and sociological effects of substance use; and the legal aspects of substance use and abuse (e.g., underage drinking, impaired driving, the Tobacco Control Act). The new learning requirements build on the health and physical education curriculum for grades 1 to 8 released in the fall of 1998. The curriculum for students in grades 11 to 12/OAC will likely be released in September. To view the full documents check out the Hot Issues section of APOLNET. For more info, contact the Ministry of Education and Training, 1-800-387-5514. For details on related school-based AOD programs (including ACTION), or upcoming training events, contact the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association, 416-426-7120.

Rationalization Back on Agenda

In January, the Ontario Substance Abuse Bureau (OSAB) released Setting the Course, A Framework for Integrating Addictions Services in Ontario. This much anticipated document will guide district health councils in the development of plans for the integration of local treatment services. Plans are to be completed by the early fall. For more info contact your local DHC. For a copy of Setting the Course, or information about the provincial process, call Steve Pierce, OSAB, 416-327-4539.

And Now for Some Good/Bad News

First the good—and, for public health professionals, now old—news: on March 23, Finance Minister Ernie Eaves announced that the province will pick up 50% of the approved costs of land ambulance and public health services across Ontario retroactive to January 1, 1999. The Government will also continue to fund the PHRED program which supports public health research and education through designated teaching health units. Now the bad news: the Ontario Injury Prevention Resource Centre officially closed its doors on March 31 after an extremely successful 5-year run. Among the Centre's contributions: the Manage the Energy on Impaired Driving and Injury Prevention Annual Conference and numerous injury prevention resources including Priority Themes for Injury Prevention, Best Practice Programs for Injury Prevention and World Wide Resources. These will continue to be available from OPHA while supplies last. OIPRC Manager, Bev Woods is currently preparing a report on the integration of injury and substance abuse prevention programs and will be leaving OPHA in mid May. On behalf of all us who have worked with you over the years, Bev: thank you for your tremendous contribution to the field and best wishes for the future!

Research Corner

Below are some interesting articles culled from recent issues of alcohol-related journals. For copies or to borrow a journal, contact the CAMH-ARF Library, Fax: 416-595-6601, Email: isd@arf.org.

DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY, Volume 6 Number 1 March 1999

The Impact of 'Alcopops' on Regular Drinking by Young People in Wales by Chris Roberts, Virginia Blakey & Chris Tudor-Smith

A Comparison of Trends in Drug Use Among Students in the USA and Ontario, Canada: 1975-1997 by Frank J. Ivis and Edward Adlaf

ADDICTION, Volume 94 Number 4 April 1999

Public opinions on alcohol policy issues: a comparison of American and Canadian surveys by Norman Giesbrecht & Thomas K. Greenfield (Canada)

ADDICTION, Volume 94 Number 3 March 1999

Reducing risks associated with drinking among young adults: promoting knowledge-based perspectives and harm reduction strategies by Norman Giesbrecht (Canada)

Alcohol policy and the young adult: establishing priorities, building partnerships, overcoming barriers by James F. Mosher (USA)

Peril, chance, adventure: concepts of risk, alcohol use, and risky behavior in young adults by Barbara C. Leigh (USA)

The relationship between alcohol sales and assault in New South Wales, Australia by Richard J. Stevenson, Bronwyn Lind & Don Weatherburn (Australia)

News & Views

Events

On April 24, MADD Canada will host the National Candlelight Vigil of Hope and Remembrance and The Victims' Weekend at Applewood United Church in Mississauga. For more info contact the Victims Services Coordinator, 1-800-605-MADD.

Useful Resources

Hot off the presses, the much-anticipated (and very belated) fall issue of the Contemporary Drug Problems featuring 7 articles on ways to link injury prevention and alcohol policy particularly in the areas of research, policy and community action. Edited by Norman Giesbrecht and Paula Neves, the collection includes contributions from Europe, US, Australia and Canada. Contemporary Drug Problems: Special Issue on Injury Prevention & Alcohol Policy, Vol. 25, No. 3, Fall 1998 is available from Federal Legal Publications, Tel: 914-279-0362, Fax: 914-279-0259. $14US.

Also recently released, the 1999 issue of the Directory of Substance Abuse and Injury Prevention Contacts in Public Health. New this year: a comprehensive calendar of events; a handy list of 200+ people and organizations to contact for more information on injury and substance abuse and two great maps courtesy of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) and Magellan Geographics. Free copies have been distributed to public health and addictions contacts. Additional copies are available for $10 from the Alcohol Policy Network, 416-367-3313 ext 23.

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation released a public opinion poll on February 4 showing that most Canadians think drinking and driving is a serious problem of greater concern to them than taxes or health care, and of greater threat to their health and safety than cancer or assault. The survey also revealed that many socially responsible individuals still drink and drive, although a small minority of those surveyed were responsible for 84% of all impaired driving trips. For more info or a free copy of the 30 page National Opinion Poll on Drinking and Driving, contact Diane Fahlman, Tel: 613-238-5235 x306, Email: dianef@trafficinjuryresearch.com.

On February 10, the LCBO unveiled a 30 second snowmobiling public service announcement, along with the Family Guide to Safe and Responsible Snowmobiling, a new free publication distributed through LCBO stores across the province. For details call Linda Hapak, LCBO Senior Communications Consultant, 416-864-6875.

Doing research on alcohol policy? European Integration and Nordic Alcohol Policies - Changes in Alcohol Controls and Consequences in Finland, Norway and Sweden, 1980-1997 by Harold D. Holder, Eckart Kuhlhorn, Sturla Nordlund, Esa Österberg, Anders Romesjö and Tryve Ugland offers insightful analysis. To purchase a copy, contact Asgate Publishing, asgate@cityscape.co.uk. To borrow the book, contact the CAMH-ARF Library, 33 Russell Street, TO, Fax: 416-595-6601.

Concerned about safe communities? Check out a special feature on Canada's Safest Cities in the March issue of Chatelaine. Based on research by Dr. Evelyn Vingilis and Jennifer Sarkella of the University of Western Ontario's Population and Community Health Unit, the article ranks community safety in 24 Canadian census metropolitan areas based on injury-related death rates. Of the 9 Ontario cities on the list, Toronto, Kitchener and Ottawa-Hull ranked among the top 5, while Thunder Bay and Sudbury were at or near the bottom. Population factors such as large numbers of youth (who may be vulnerable to premature death due to suicide and motor vehicle crashes), or seniors (who may be more prone to falls), may have affected the results. To view full article go to www.chatelaine.com/read/news+views/safecities.html. For a copy of the 6-page background report, contact Dr. Vingilis at evelyn.vingilis@med.uwo.ca.