Yesterday I did an interview with CBC News here in Nova Scotia. The interview was pertaining to the recent letter that a group of doctors wrote to have a minimum drink price in Nova Scotia.
When interviewed I was asked how will students react to a minimum drink price and perhaps having drink prices increased. And here is my response:
Dalhousie students will not all react to a minimum drink price the same way. Currently Dalhousie students are paying the highest tuition in Canada and we are used to having tight budgets once we have paid for tuition. Some of our students will not enjoy an increase in drink prices, some will not notice an increase because they do not frequent licensed establishments, and some will see the increase as a good thing. My main concerns whenever it comes to students drinking is that there can be risks associated with it and that measures need to be taken to educate the population about them, we also need to ensure their safety when they are traveling to and from venues. Educating the population on the risks that are associated with drinking alcohol needs to happen in the P-12 system. Many people finish their P-12 education before they are legal drinking age and therefore we need to educate them in a forum that already exists so that they understand what they may decide to engage in. My hope is that whether there is a set minimum drink price or not that there are concentrated efforts put on educating our population, and Canadian citizens, about the risks of consuming alcohol.
Below is the link to the CBC interview on their website:
'Drinks cheap but social costs high: doctors'
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