OTTAWA -- The Senate says the Liberal government is not acting quickly enough to combat the growing problem of obesity.
A Senate committee released a report in March calling on the government to help people lead healthier lifestyles by, among other things, banning food and beverage ads aimed at children and exploring the possibility of a tax on soda pop.
Health Minister Jane Philpott and Sport Minister Carla Qualtrough told the committee in a letter earlier this month they agreed with the recommendations in principle, highlighting program funding announced in the federal budget and future plans included in their mandate letters.
They also say the government will continue to monitor emerging evidence on whether a tax on beverages containing added sugar or artificial sweeteners would be effective.
Committee chair Sen. Kelvin Ogilvie says that response did not go far enough, especially since it offered no clear timelines for action.
Ogilvie is urging the Liberals to do more and do it faster, saying the health of Canadians is at stake.
