Senate debates bill to add warning labels to alcohol packaging

Senate debates bill to add warning labels to alcohol packaging Senate debates bill to add warning labels to alcohol packaging
Senator Patrick Brazeau speaks to reporters as he arrives at the Senate on Parliament Hill on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang (The Canadian Press)

OTTAWA — The Senate is studying a bill that proposes adding cancer warning labels to alcohol packaging.

Sen. Patrick Brazeau, who sponsored the bill, told a Senate committee today that alcohol is linked to seven deadly types of cancer, including liver, colon, breast and oral cancers.

He said research shows only a quarter of Canadians are aware of those risks and there are misconceptions about the safety of alcohol.

The proposed bill also would clearly label what constitutes a standard drink and the number of drinks that pose a health risk.

Brazeau told the committee he expects alcohol companies will oppose the move and reminded senators that tobacco warning labels faced similar resistance.

The senator said he sees a warning label as only a first step, because alcohol is linked to many other health issues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2025.

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press

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Sarah Ritchie
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