Despite Potential Benefits Most Canadians Oppose Taxing Unhealthy Foods

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Following a recent Oxford University study, that concluded that taxing unhealthy foods could produce better eating habits and eventually reduce the number of cardiovascular disease, a new Angus Reid poll shows Canadians are split on the idea.

According to the Oxford University study, heart and stroke deaths could drop 1.7% if the UK’s 17.5 per cent Value Added Tax was applied to sugary, salty, and fatty foods.

While the idea has a certain value, Angus Reid found that 50% of Canadians thought this sort of tax would be a bad idea. Forty-three percent of respondents think the tax is a good idea and 7% are unsure.

A regional breakdown shows that the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan were the only two provinces with a majority of respondents in favour of the measure, with 51%. The idea was least popular in Alberta with 41% of respondents thinking it was a food idea.

Fifty-one percent of younger Canadians, ages 18-34, were pro-tax with only 42% against. On the other hand, only 38% of respondents aged between 35-54 years felt it was a positive step, with 55% thinking it was not.

Financial situation also proved to weigh in the balance, as 50% of those earning under $50,000 a year were felt it was a bad idea and 41% of those earning $100,000 or more a year had the same opinion.

The survey results also compared political affiliations. “Fifty-five per cent of NDP [New Democratic Party - left wing] voters say the tax is a good idea, while 55 per cent of Conservative [right wing] supporters say it is a bad idea,” said a statement. “The Liberals [moderate] are more split on the topic, with 49 per cent saying it is a good idea, and 47 per cent saying it is a bad idea.”

According to Statistics Canada's latest data, heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, responsible for nearly 27% of mortalities.

The poll, conducted from July 13 to 16, interviewed 1,086 Canadian adults and has a margin of error of 3.0 %, 19 times out of 20.