A researcher at the University of Alberta's School of Public Health thinks it's time to tax sugary drinks.

Sue Buhler says the drinks have been linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and liver disease.

Albertans drink on average more than one litre every day, she said.

“Now remember we’re not just talking about pop, we’re talking about fruit beverages that have sugar added, iced teas, sports drinks, energy drinks, some of the bottled water, the vitamin water and the enhanced water also has sugar in it.”

Buhler is looking for a tax of $.05 for every 100 millilitres, which works out to $.18 for a can of pop.

She hopes some of the money collected would then go to providing healthy alternatives in schools and for poorer families.