Energy Drink Ban Gaining Traction Across Canada
After a Quebec teen's death, provinces are moving toward restrictions for kids under 16.
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A Calgary parent's campaign to ban energy drink sales to minors is gaining momentum across Canada, with Quebec already moving toward legislation and other provinces watching closely.
Jennifer Koo started pushing for age restrictions after her own concerns about the drinks' effects on young people. Her advocacy took on new urgency after a coroner's report in Quebec found that 15-year-old Zachary Miron died in January 2024 when caffeine from an energy drink triggered an arrhythmia while interacting with his ADHD medication. That case prompted Quebec to study a ban on energy-drink sales to those under 16.
"As a parent I felt crushed for Zachery's parents," Koo said. "I immediately felt a sense of validation for the path that I was on."
Koo has gone further than advocacy—she partnered with researchers at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology to develop League, a caffeine-free alternative for youth. The drink contains no caffeine, stimulants, or artificial sweeteners.
Health Canada requires cautionary labels on caffeinated energy drinks stating they are "not recommended for those under 14 years old," yet Alberta has no purchase restrictions. Quebec's proposed ban would set the age limit at 16.
Koo believes momentum could grow nationally if Quebec proceeds with its ban, putting pressure on other provinces to act. "That broader advocacy is absolutely on our road map," she said.
Alberta's Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services said it is not considering legislative or regulatory changes but is watching how other jurisdictions approach the issue.