The Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, has accused the union leader representing Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers of lying about its privatization as members protested outside of MPP’s offices recently.
While talking to reporters, Ford said: “We will never, ever sell the LCBO.
“Its unfortunate their leader is actually misleading, let me be more blunt, lying, about us closing the LCBO. We will never ever close the LCBO.”
LBCO is a Crown corporation that sells and distributes alcoholic beverages throughout Ontario.
Workers recently embarked on a province-wide protest requesting the Ford government stop “the sell-off of the LCBO.”
Petitions were sent to the offices of 11 government officials, including the constituency office of the Premier in Etobicoke.
Recall that Ford announced late last year that around 8,500 new stores would be permitted to sell alcohol by 2026.
The sales will be restricted to wine, beer, cider, coolers, seltzers and “other low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages.”
Under the new agreement with Ontario, the Beer Store will still sell beer and will remain a major distributor to retailers, bars and restaurants until at least 2031.
The government previously said the LCBO will keep selling and distribute alcohol with an exclusive right to spirits like vodka, gin and whisky.
Meanwhile, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has argued that these changes will impact on jobs and instead send their profits to big box stores.
In a statement, OPSEU President, JP Honick, said: “We’re going to stand together and do whatever it takes to stop Doug Ford from selling off the LCBO and to protect good jobs in every community across Ontario.”
