Premier Doug Ford has long known the political value of a cheap beer. His “buck-a-beer” crowd has been a reliable audience and source of votes and he continues to play to it.
Now his government is moving to loosen rules around alcohol consumption in Ontario’s provincial parks, allowing drinking beyond campsites to beaches, picnic areas and other day-use spaces. Until now, that same behaviour could get you ticketed.
This isn’t happening in isolation. Before the last election, beer and wine found their way into convenience stores. During the pandemic, take-out alcohol became the norm. Step by step, restrictions have been eased and always in ways that are easy to sell and even easier to like.
But there’s another side to the story. Public health experts continue to warn that alcohol carries real risks, even at low levels, contributing to a range of diseases, including several cancers. It also normalizes the idea that drinking belongs everywhere and all the time. Statistics Canada reports that alcohol-related deaths are rising. That alone should give us pause.
Modernizing rules is one thing. Quietly expanding a culture of constant consumption is another.
I get that many people just want to have a beer or glass of wine at a picnic and that their behaviour is unlikely to be affected by ‘a’ drink. But, based on recent data, impaired driving numbers in Ontario are getting worse, characterized by an “alarming” year-over-year increase in incidents, charges, and fatalities. Despite stricter laws, the trend has been rising since 2020, with OPP reporting a 30% increase in impaired driving occurrences, charges, and collisions over the last several years. I’m not sure how the proponents of this pending legislation seem to just be brushing that FACT aside?
Dale Hajas, Huntsville, ON.
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Ontario relaxing alcohol restrictions in provincial parks
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What is Doug Fords obsession with getting Ontario drunk? Does he think it will
Help us forget all
Of his irresponsible decisions and scandals?
Another example of his disregard for the environment, our public parks and the wildlife we share space with.
Drink at home. There is no need to drink at every family occasions with little ones running around. If you can’t attend a function once and a while without alcohol you might have a problem. Im not against drinking at all.
I am incensed and disgusted at this proposed legislation!! What about those who can’t and don’t stop at 1 or 2 beers while picnicking with their young children??? I’d like to hear the good side of this because having just buried my nephew I know the downside.