The 20 cent per litre tax on sugary drinks will be eliminated as of July 1st.

The tax was introduced initially as a means to encourage consumers to make healthier choices, but critics saw it as a grab.

Premier John Hogan announced that the tax would be removed during Question Period in the House of Assembly shortly after winning the Liberal leadership.

The province says programs previously funded through the tax, like continuous glucose monitoring, the early childhood nutrition supplement, physical activity tax credit, sport and athletic development and school breakfast and lunch programs, will continue.

The sugar tax’s associated legislation will be repealed in the fall sitting.