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Canadians Reject Taxes on Unhealthy Foods
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada oppose implementing extra taxes on specific foods in order to reduce both consumer demand and health problems, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 50 per cent of respondents think the proposal is a bad idea, while 43 per cent consider it a good idea.
On Jul. 12, a group of researchers at Britain's Oxford University claimed that the implementation of a 17.5 per cent value added tax (VAT) on salty, sugary and fatty foods could save an estimated 3,200 lives every year. The study states: "A well-designed and carefully-targeted fat tax could be a useful tool for reducing the burden of food-related disease."
In December, 2003, a World Health Organization (WHO) report suggested using "fiscal measures to promote availability of and access to certain foods; (using) taxes to increase or decrease consumption of food; and (using) public funds and subsidies to promote access among poor communities to recreational and sporting facilities."
In April 2004, the Ontario government decided not to implement a proposed tax for meals under $3.75 U.S. The idea had been originally suggested by the provincial Health Ministry to entice people into making healthier choices.
Polling Data
Earlier this month, researchers at Britain's Oxford University suggested the implementation of a higher value-added tax on foods deemed unhealthy in order to reduce both consumer demand and the number of heart attacks and strokes. Do you personally think charging higher taxes on unhealthy foods is a good idea or a bad idea?
A good idea | 43% |
A bad idea | 50% |
Not sure | 7% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,086 Canadian adults, conducted on Jul. 13 and Jul. 16, 2007. Margin of error is 3.0 per cent.
