A Statistics Canada report released on 5 March noted that per capita consumption of alcohol in Canada had reached its lowest level in 20 years. The report attracted a lot of attention, and several media reached out to Professor Rod Phillips, a historian of alcohol, for a comment. He pointed out that alcohol consumption was declining globally, particularly among younger age cohorts, so that we need to look for broadly applicable explanations, not necessarily for conditions peculiar to Canada. He suggested broader awareness of and receptiveness to warnings about the health risks associated with alcohol was driving lower alcohol consumption. On the other hand, there is increasing demand in Canada for alcohol produced in Canada.

Source: CBC News March 09, 2026 20:21 UTC