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Policy Forum: Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Reduction Policies—Where Does Canada Stand?

Author

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  • Nicolas Epelbaum

    (Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University)

  • Patricia Jackson Farrell

    (Schulich School of Business, York University)

  • Makini McGuire-Brown

    (College of Family Physicians of Canada)

  • Tony Pampena

    (Ernst & Young LLP, Toronto)

Abstract

Governments worldwide have struggled with determining what role taxes or tax penalties should play in promoting public health by reducing sugar consumption. In Canada, the only tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) was introduced by Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022, although it was eliminated in 2025 owing to public concerns about affordability. This article reviews four categories of policies that have been suggested to aid in reducing SSB consumption: financial, information, defaults, and availability. The authors find that, in Canada, policies have been enacted with respect to total sugar product labelling and school food policies, but further policy initiatives should be coordinated at the national level to reduce the consumption of SSBs.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Epelbaum & Patricia Jackson Farrell & Makini McGuire-Brown & Tony Pampena, 2026. "Policy Forum: Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Reduction Policies—Where Does Canada Stand?," Canadian Tax Journal, Canadian Tax Foundation, vol. 74(1), pages 83-97.
    • Handle: RePEc:ctf:journl:v:74:y:2026:i:1:p:83-97
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.32721/ctj.2026.74.1.pf.epelbaum
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