MEDIA ADVISORY - Alcohol and health: Experts to discuss how to communicate risk at first Québec summit in Montreal on November 13

MONTREAL, Oct. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Since Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health was released by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) in January 2023, public discussion about alcohol-related health risks has intensified. The guidance identifies one to two standard drinks per week in the low-risk range, while emphasizing that no amount of alcohol consumption is entirely risk-free. How can we make sense of these health risks? How can these scientific findings be communicated clearly, with nuance and in accessible language? To explore these questions, Éduc'alcool is organizing the first Québec Summit on Alcohol and Health on November 13, 2026, at the Centre Mont-Royal in Montréal.

Under the theme "What the science says. How to communicate it.", the event will bring together specialists in research, health, prevention and communications, as well as participants from a range of sectors.

Discussions will focus on the latest scientific evidence and on practical ways to communicate it clearly and effectively to people across Québec.

Discussions on a timely issue

How can scientific guidance be interpreted and risks explained without oversimplifying the evidence? How can messages be tailored to the realities of different settings while supporting evolving perceptions and social norms around alcohol consumption? These questions will be central to the discussions. 

The Summit will explore these issues through a scientific presentation, an expert panel and thematic workshops focused on student communities, the hospitality sector, responsible event planning and science communication.

Guest of honour

Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, National Director of Public Health and Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ministère de la Santé, de la Prévention et des Aînés, will attend the Summit as guest of honour. She will deliver remarks at 9:10 a.m. as part of the day's opening program.

Featured experts

• Dr. Denis Soulières, scientific and medical spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society
• Adam Sherk, PhD, Senior Scientist and Special Advisor, Policy, at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
• Jean-Sébastien Fallu, PhD, Full Professor at Université de Montréal
• Joël Tremblay, PhD, Professor at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
• Christine Stich, PhD, Scientific Advisor at Éduc'alcool and moderator of the panel discussion

Media invitation

Media representatives are invited to attend the Summit to cover the discussions, including remarks by Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh at 9:10 a.m., and to meet with the experts in attendance.

WHAT: Québec Summit on Alcohol and Health

WHEN: Friday, November 13, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Centre Mont-Royal, Montréal

ORGANIZER: Éduc'alcool

THEME: What the science says. How to communicate it.

Full program: View the Summit program

About Éduc'alcool

Éduc'alcool is a Québec organization dedicated to education and prevention related to alcohol consumption. Since 1989, it has developed campaigns and programs to inform the public and promote responsible drinking behaviours.

For more information: www.educalcool.qc.ca

SOURCE Éduc'alcool

Media accreditation and interview requests: Journalists wishing to attend or interview a spokesperson are invited to contact: Sarah Cancino, Communications and Administrative Coordinator, Éduc'alcool, [email protected], 514-875-7454, ext. 1