Government launches "rethink your drink" campaign

The provincial government is launching a new awareness campaign. Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Siobhan Coady made the announcement this morning at the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre.

The new "rethink your drink" campaign encourages residents to choose healthier beverages without sugar.

This is another initiative that the government is taking to improve the social, economic and environmental factors that impact personal health.

As of September 1, there will be a tax added to sugar-sweetened beverages. In 2016 the World Health Organization urged action to curtail the consumption of sugary drinks adding that taxing sugary drinks can lower consumption and reduce obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay.

All revenues generated will help fund the pre-natal infant nutrition supplement, school breakfast and lunch programs, and the physical activity tax credit.

Newfoundland and Labrador will be the first province in Canada to have such a tax.