It’s a serious concern. Should the Canadian government implement a special tax on sugary foods like cans of pop or a Kit Kat bar? Or should they keep avoiding the subject, getting heavily leaned on by the sugar industry who offers them more money to keep their mouths shut. I’m 100% behind the idea. France did it. Norway’s done it. Mexico is way ahead of us. Why can’t Canada be a part of this health crazy (and the United States too)? It seems to be in the works. But there’s always an excuse. Could a pop tax be worthwhile?
PS. That’s me in Seattle 2013, eating some gluten, processed meats, and a plethora of sauces, and washing it down with a Dr. Pepper. Damn, that was a good sandwich though.
One of my major concerns is how the sugar industry may alter yet another health industry alternative. Think Stevia – this natural dried sweet, sweet, herb has been turned into the devil since big corporations have released their own brands mixed with fillers like maltodextrin, glycerine, dextrose, and erythritol. When we tax their baby that makes them billions of dollars per year, you bet your ass they will come back at us with their own options for lucuma, lo-han, brown rice syrup, coconut sugar, or honey. They are a huge power house when it comes to overturning the industry and garnering momentum by being the bully. They also have a ton of money, so if we turn against them and resist their white processed sugars, they will revolutionize the alternative health industry one product at a time.
And that’s scary. But also, very hard to accomplish. Us alternative folk, won’t stand for it. We will come together. We are together.
Another major concern about the pop tax would be how the general population will react. And not only by potentially getting angry at the government who has imposed it, but rather at the alternative health community who values what goes into the body. There is already a stigma – a sort of “you’re in, or you’re out” type of idealism towards the health community, and imposing a tax might draw an even sharper divide between those who enjoy conscious living and eating, and those that have a YOLO mentality. But what I’ve learned is that anyone can be anyone they want to be, at no matter what age and no matter where you are. There is always a “community” to be fostered, you just have to open your eyes. Why is this relevant? Even if a pop tax upsets a certain percentage of the population, for now, the humdrum will simmer down eventually over time. Oppositions will start to choose the healthier options (think fizzy water or kombucha) and probably have a finer outlook on life (no more sugar brain fog). Then there will no longer be a divide. That’s the goal.
I can’t wait for the pop tax to happen. I’m not about pushing my values on anyone, but I seriously believe refined sugar is the devil. And it’s not just about obesity, like the media plays it out to be. It’s about chronic illness, cancer, and the various other diseases that feed off this chemical. I never judge anyone, whether it be friends, acquaintances, coworkers, my boyfriend, or parents, on their food choices. It’s wrong to rain on their parade with a judgement cloud because I was there once. I always remind myself: That was me. I was there. I get it.
Yet, I’ll be elated to see wiser decisions at grocery stores where imposed special taxes on sweets will help people think about what goes into their body. They will walk out with cleaner options (hopefully). It will just be the way it is. That’s the goal.
The times, they are a-changin’.
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Should Canadians pay a sugar tax on food and drinks?
Senators urge new sugar tax, ad ban to combat obesity in Canada
