Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Canada. While its consumption is legal and socially acceptable, alcohol use can lead to significant health and safety harms. In fact, recent data shows that in 2017, alcohol use has led to over 18,000 deaths and 105,000 hospitalizations in Canada alone. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of several types of cancer.
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced almost $2 million for research that will inform policies and interventions to reduce alcohol-related harms in Canada. The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, is funding 20 research projects that will evaluate policies, programs and practices that regulate alcohol and that have the potential to impact health.
One of the researchers receiving funding is Dr. Hai Van Nguyen who will work with colleagues at Memorial University of Newfoundland to study the behavioural and health effects of alcohol policy changes during COVID-19 in Canada. Researchers will also examine interventions to prevent, treat, and reduce the harms of problematic alcohol use, as well as the effects of alcohol use and related health and psychosocial on specific populations and determinants of health.
This research will generate data and evidence that will increase our knowledge base on alcohol-related harms and how to prevent and treat them and inform future larger-scale research projects. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting leaders in science, such as these recipients, in their work to support the health of Canadians and develop better, evidence-based public policy and practices.
