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"When you shop LCBO, the profits pay for important public services. When you shop Loblaws, the profits pay for Galen Weston’s next yacht." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Toronto (23 March 2017) — The President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) joined LCBO workers today to launch a new campaign called SHOP LCBO to encourage Ontarians to make a conscious decision to buy their beer, cider and wine from the LCBO.
LCBO revenue reinvested in public services
Referencing the $2.4 billion generated by LCBO shoppers to pay for public services, Warren (Smokey) Thomas blasted failed Liberal and Conservative policies like the sale of Highway 407, or Hydro One, for costing Ontarians billions of dollars in lost annual revenue.
Thomas said the SHOP LCBO campaign is about letting Ontarians know they have a choice. “When you shop LCBO, the profits pay for important public services. When you shop Loblaws, the profits pay for Galen Weston’s next yacht."
“I know which is more important to me, and I bet I know which is more important to Ontarians," said Thomas.
Privatization means Ontarians will suffer
Denise Davis, chair of OPSEU’s Liquor Board Employees Division, said that Ontarians understand the importance of the LCBO in paying for the services they rely on, and pointed out how privatizing assets like the LCBO only increases the pressure to cut public services.
“We can’t afford to lose the LCBO,” said Davis. “The profits from LCBO sales help pay for teachers in Cornwall, MRIs in Timmins, highways in Simcoe County, hospitals in Thunder Bay, child care spaces in Toronto, Western University in London, Mohawk College in Hamilton, and more."
“If we give up those profits, we have 2 options — raise taxes or cut important public services. Which one are the Liberals planning to do?," asked Davis.
Find out more about the SHOP LCBO campaign
Thomas encouraged Ontarians to visit the campaign website www.SaveTheLCBO.ca to learn more about the value the LCBO provides to Ontario and how they can help save this important asset.
Thomas added, “Ontarians have already lost far too much to privatization, from the 407 to Hydro One. We can’t afford to let the government repeat these mistakes with the LCBO.”