"If we were to privatize this important public asset, hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for public services like health care, education, and programs for families would be lost." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
revenue
"From 1999 to 2015, businesses have saved $3.8 billion cumulatively in Manitoba taxes. If anything has tied the hands of provincial policy-makers and eroded Manitoba’s fiscal flexibility, it is these unsustainable tax cuts." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
"Will the Liberals stop forcing Ontario’s colleges to seek revenue sources through offshore boondoggles? Or will they adequately fund our colleges so they can focus on providing the skills that bring jobs and prosperity to the province?" — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Toronto (14 Jan. 2016) — As more facts come to light on Algonquin College’s questionable presence in Saudi Arabia, Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), is seeking answers from Reza Moridi, Minister for Training, Colleges and Universities.
“At a time when the provincial government is scrambling to find money for public services, it doesn’t make sense to sell off profitable liquor stores.” — Bob Bymoen, SGEU President
“There is no justification for putting profits for private corporations ahead of the interests of Saskatchewan families and communities.” — Donna Christianson, SGEU Chair of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) bargaining unit
"The Liberals should act boldly by restoring the corporate tax rate and abandon their misguided and costly reliance on P3s.” — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President
Despite shrinking government revenue through stalled wages and selling off public services, the Nova Scotia government continues to privatize.
“Companies like Google should be the subject of a leaders’ debate not sponsoring them." — Dennis Howlett, executive director of Canadians for Tax Fairness
"It’s reckless for the government to not reconsider its plans for privatization and the resulting loss of revenue considering the increasing local economic pressures on the province.” — Donna Christianson, Chair of SGEU's Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority bargaining unit.
“The added bonus is that new Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) stores are a great investment, generating substantial profits for Saskatchewan families each year. Any new liquor store will pay for itself, and then some." — Donna Christianson, SGEU Chair for SLGA bargaining unit.
Despite making millions each year in revenue to support the province, the Saskatchewan government wants to privatize liquor sales.
"These changes will offer increased convenience for shoppers and make the public stores even more competitive. With almost 200 outlets, larger stores, greater selection and knowledgeable staff, public liquor stores can compete with private stores.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President.
"I'm sure Sobeys doesn't mind having low- and middle-income Saskatchewan residents paying more for both public services and liquor to help boost its profit margin. But clearly, what the public has said in awarding the Scammie, is that we do mind. And we're fighting back." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
“Clark's recommendation on the LCBO, combined with the no-privatization-position of Premier Wynne and Finance Minister Sousa, should put this issue to rest for a long, long time. Let’s move on to other policy issues, like building our public services." — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
"The Agency Stores Program has expanded beyond its original limited mandate" — Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.
"Thanks to the work of our All Together Now! (ATN) campaign talking to Canadians about the need to tax fairness in Canada, we have seen a shift in how people see the issue." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
"We need to speak up before SLGA stores are sold and an important source of public revenue disappears forever," says SGEU/NUPGE.
Liberals break promise to maintain public liquor stores by opening more Agency Stores across Nova Scotia.
Aside from providing good jobs for small communities, public liquor stores generated $232 million in net revenue for the people of Saskatchewan last year. Why does the government want to give that up? Help stop the closures. Write to your MLA and the Minister.
"Many Islanders want to support the public liquor stores not just because they are more convenient but because they are more socially responsible when it comes to selling alcohol than are gas stations and convenience stores." — Debbie Bovyer, PEIUPSE President.