MPP Arnott introduces bill to require warning labels on alcohol
MPP Ted Arnott tabled a Private Member's Bill in the Ontario Legislature on June 4th, 2007 that, if passed, would require all beverage alcohol containers sold in Ontario to have a warning label, reminding consumers of the danger of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
"It is my intention to raise public awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which is a major problem in Ontario yet is entirely preventable,” said Mr. Arnott. “I'm encouraged by the expressions of support that I have received so far.”
It is estimated that at least one in every one hundred children is born with FASD in North America because of the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.
Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Ernie Parsons, a Member of the Liberal Caucus at Queen's Park, supports Mr. Arnott's Bill. Mr. Parsons first raised awareness about FASD with his Private Member's Bill, known as Sandy's Law. That Bill was passed into law in June 2004 and it requires that all premises from which liquor is sold or served display signs cautioning women who are pregnant that the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is the cause of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
“I believe that the vast majority of people will make the right decision if given the right information,” Mr. Parsons said. “This Bill will do much to increase the knowledge of this preventable syndrome, and I strongly support Mr. Arnott's proposed legislation,” he added.
Ted Arnott also spoke with the Hon. Gerry Phillips, Minister of Government Services, who is responsible for the Liquor Licence Act. “The Minister seemed very interested in what I am proposing,” Mr. Arnott said.
As it turns out, Mr. Arnott's Bill 236, the Liquor Licence Statute Law Amendment Act (Liquor Labels), 2007 , was the final Bill introduced in the 38th Provincial Parliament. The Government decided to end the Spring Session on June 5th, even though the Legislature was scheduled to sit until the end of June.
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