The association is also calling on the federal government – and all federal leaders with the election around the corner – to consider establishing a national Pharmacare program to increase accessibility for diabetes medication and supplies. Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that causes 30 per cent of all strokes, 40 per cent of all heart attacks, 50 per cent of kidney failure requiring dialysis and 70 per cent of all lower limb non-traumatic amputations.

According to the association, an estimated 10 million Canadians have diabetes or prediabetes, which cost them 14 billion dollars in health care and economic costs.

“The Canadian beverage industry supports consumers balancing their calorie and sugars intake by providing Canadians with a wide range of beverage options – including many zero-calorie options – along with clear, easy-to-read nutritional information that helps people make the choice that’s right for them”, the CBA said. A single serving of soft drink (e.g. non diet pop) contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar.

It was noted that Mexico and France have already implemented similar tax measures, leading to an nearly immediate decrease in the consumption of such sugar-laden beverages.

It said that four in 10 Canadians without insurance have difficulty purchasing their medications, and many are forced to choose between paying for their prescriptions and other essential expenses.

It says that “significant inequities” exist within the acts, which disqualify “most adults” with Type 1 diabetes.

Several organizations have publicly stated that they support the tax on sugary drinks such as the Canadian Mental Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Childhood Obesity Foundation, and the BC Healthy Living Alliance.