MONTREAL - The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) opposes the motion that will be presented to Montreal City Council today by Councilor Marvin Rotrand and Anjou Mayor Luis Miranda calling on the federal government to impose an excise tax on sweetened drinks. CTF Quebec Director Carl Vallée sent correspondence to all municipal officials last week asking them to vote against the motion and shared a CTF study published last month on this issue.

"Despite objectives that at first glance may seem noble, this tax is nothing more than a new way for governments to fatten their revenues by pilfering the pockets of taxpayers who are already struggling to make ends meet," said Mr. Vallée. "Before voting on this motion, municipal officials must understand that such a measure will not help public health. "

The CTF study entitled "Sweet Nothing" reveals that in countries and cities where a tax on sugar beverages was imposed, the demand for these products remained virtually unchanged. The tax did not have the desired effect. Moreover, the correlation between the increase in obesity and the consumption of sugary drinks is questionable. Between 2004 and 2015, Canada's per capita consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages dropped 12% while obesity rates continued to rise for both men and women.

"We must not make the mistake of thinking that such a tax would be paid by the industry. At the end of the day, it will be passed on to the taxpayers who will pay the costs, "added Mr. Vallée. "Governments, regardless of the level, already have the means to implement policies to counter obesity from existing income without further picking the pockets of taxpayers. "