Treating people like adults: Ford dismisses raising drinking age to 21 in Ontario [Video]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he disagrees with alcohol-related recommendations from the province’s top doctor, particularly raising the legal drinking age by two years.

In his annual report, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, recommended adding new restrictions to legal substances like alcohol and vapes, while also looking at decriminalizing personal possession and use of illegal drugs.

The report, released at the end of March, called for warning labels on alcoholic drinks outlining the risks of drinking, including cancer. It suggested the idea of increasing the legal drinking age from 19 to 21 should also be on the table.

Asked about the recommendation on Wednesday, Ford praised his chief medical officer but said he disagreed with the suggestion.

“He has his opinion, we have ours. We believe in treating people like adults,” Ford said.

The province is currently expanding access to alcohol through plans to allow the sale of beer, wine …