Opposition parties in Quebec are calling for the suspension of funding for Éduc’alcool because certain articles published on the organization’s website spread outdated or erroneous information.
Explanatory texts on its website, which are based on studies carried out in the 1990s, have not been updated with the findings of more recent studies.
For example, an article indicates that moderate and regular consumption of alcohol (CMRA) on health would reduce the risks of certain diseases, according to studies published in the 90s.
However, this information has not been updated with more recent scientific conclusions, which provide several nuances.
The general director of Éduc’alcool, Geneviève Desautels, recognizes that some information is outdated or erroneous.
“Should there be an update and should we work differently? Yes, it’s part of our plans,” she says.
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She defends herself by mentioning that the dates of the studies are well indicated.
“It’s much less up to date, but because it’s dated, we can see that if we go back into political or other archives, we’re going to find things that are no longer current or that they are no longer in today’s social discourse, continues the general director. Which is absolutely true.”
The opposition wants to suspend its funding
Following numerous articles published this week on this subject, notably in Dutythe opposition parties in Quebec are calling for the suspension of the organization’s funding, while they shed light on the organization’s funding.
“We are facing a conflict of interest,” says the leader of the Parti Québécois, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. We cannot claim to serve health and the public interest, but be financed by the industry which seeks to sell more of this product.”
“It’s up to them to justify their current position,” says the interim co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire, Christine Labrie. I don’t understand their position. It is not up to date with the scientific consensus.”
The Liberal Party is calling in particular for a commission of inquiry into the financing of Éduc’alcool.
“How can a state corporation today tolerate taxpayers’ money being used to disseminate pseudoscience?” asks the parliamentary leader of the official opposition, Monsef Derraji.
Éduc’alcool is an organization funded by receiving an amount ranging from $0.01 and $0.03 collected on each product sold at the SAQ.
This amount rose to $3.7 million in 2024.
Its mission “is to lead the Quebec population to make informed choices regarding responsible consumption,” we can read on its website.
A proportion of 85% of its funding is devoted to prevention and education programs linked to this mission.
