Diabetes Canada is hoping to learn more about how the provincial government intends to continue to address the impact of diabetes and other chronic disease in Newfoundland and Labrador now that the sugar tax is being repealed.

Approximately 33 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are living with diabetes or its precursor.

According to Diabetes Canada, diabetes contributes to a large number of serious and costly health complications including stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and leg and foot amputations.

Senior Manager of Policy with the organization, Laura O’Driscoll, says it was their understanding that revenue from the tax on sugary drinks helped to support the province’s continuous glucose-monitoring pilot program, healthy living initiatives, school nutrition programs and support for physical activity and sport development. Those initiatives, says O’Driscoll, play a valuable role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

She says while a sugar tax is not a standalone solution, it can help to shift consumption patterns and generate revenue for public health initiatives.

She says they look forward to learning more about how the province intends to continue addressing the rising impact of diabetes and other chronic diseases in Newfoundland and Labrador.