The provincial government has released an Alcohol Action Plan aimed at reducing the harm caused by the consumption of alcohol.

The plan includes a list of 13 actions to be completed by March of 2026 that include medical interventions and treatments and potential changes to pricing and marketing.

According to government, alcohol use is linked to over 200 health conditions ranging from liver diseases to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, as well as deaths and injuries due to suicide, violence and impaired driving.

The provincial government says in 2017, alcohol-related costs amounted to $318 million dollars including costs related to lost productivity, health care, and criminal justice.

Proposed actions include increased awareness about the impact of alcohol on health, the inclusion of screening, intervention and referral tools at all points of care, the establishment of appropriate treatment approaches, including home-based withdrawal management, and the monitoring of alcohol sales and consumption rates.

The plan calls for amendments to the Liquor Control Act to develop regulations surrounding alcohol-related marketing, advertising, sponsorships and promotions to support moderate and responsible consumption.

Alcohol pricing is also part of the plan, with a review of the current statutory minimum price per standard drink defined in the Liquor Control Act for on-premise establishments and the concept of minimum pricing for off-premise outlets.