A coalition of leading health care institutions says Premier Doug Ford’s government has no strategy to alleviate problems that could result from the province’s new liberalization. alcohol sales rules, warning that more deaths, cancer diagnoses and emergency room strains could occur.

The coalition, which includes the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Public Health Association and the Canadian Cancer Society, says the province has not responded to its request to work together to develop a plan to cope possible harm.

Thursday marks the final step in opening the province to alcohol sales market, as grocery stores that don’t already sell alcohol can stock their shelves with beer, wine and coolers.

LEARN MORE: Alcohol sales at convenience stores set to begin Thursday

The province says it will spend $10 million over five years to support social responsibility and public health efforts, although it has not provided details on what that entails.

THE Alcohol and the Ontario Gaming Commission says it has issued new licenses to just over 400 grocery stores across the province, in addition to the 450 already licensed.

It says it has issued licenses to 4,707 convenience stores, which can sell alcohol since the beginning of September.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 31, 2024.

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