Senate debates bill to add warning labels to alcohol packaging

By Canadian Press on October 9, 2025.

OTTAWA — The Senate is studying a bill that proposes adding cancer warning labels to alcohol packaging.

Sen. Patrick Brazeau, who sponsored the bill, told a Senate committee today that alcohol is linked to seven deadly types of cancer, including liver, colon, breast and oral cancers.

He said research shows only a quarter of Canadians are aware of those risks and there are misconceptions about the safety of alcohol.

The proposed bill also would clearly label what constitutes a standard drink and the number of drinks that pose a health risk.

Brazeau told the committee he expects alcohol companies will oppose the move and reminded senators that tobacco warning labels faced similar resistance.

The senator said he sees a warning label as only a first step, because alcohol is linked to many other health issues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2025.

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press

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