PRESENTATION TO NABCA
JANUARY 6, 2007
CANADA’S NATIONAL ALCOHOL STRATEGY - Rowland Dunning

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL ALCOHOL STRATEGY?
The NAS is a comprehensive, collaborative strategy that provides direction and recommendations to reduce alcohol-related harms. The notion of sensible alcohol use, or developing a culture where moderation is the goal, underpins the Strategy.

WHO INITIATED IT AND HOW WAS IT DEVELOPED?
The NAS is an initiative of the Federal Government under Health Canada. It was developed in a consultative manner involving representatives from health care organizations, researchers, alcohol treatment agencies, MADD, the alcohol/hospitality industry (spirits, wine and beer industry associations, restaurant association) and CALJ/ALAC.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
It lays out for discussion on a national basis, beginning with provincials Ministers of Health, policy recommendations (not directives) which are intended to move Canadians towards a culture of moderation, thereby reducing the harms associated with the inappropriate use of alcohol.

It is also important that the document is non-directive, the Federal Government is not going to pass laws enforcing these recommendations; instead they encourage review, consideration, research and evaluation by the provinces.

In summary, the Strategy provides a long-term vision of how to reduce alcohol-related issues in Canada. Its recommendations can be used by the provinces (and Liquor Boards) to support positions that may be sensitive provincially, but given the weight of a national long-term policy can be implemented more easily (e.g. mandatory server training for licensee staff).

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