MEDIA ADVISORY - LCBO workers expand anti-privatization campaign to Ottawa

OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Following a series of successful Ontario-wide information pickets hosted by Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) members at the LCBO, members in Ottawa plan to carry the message there this Friday afternoon.

Date:	Friday, September 30, 2016
Time:	2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Place:	Outside LCBO Store #38, 275 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Local 499 president Katie Sample looks forward to the event: "The reaction from the public has been so positive. They understand the importance of holding our elected leaders such as Premier Kathleen Wynne to the platforms they committed to. People know that public assets like the LCBO are crucial for a healthy economy and socially responsible Ontario."

The Ontario government has embarked on liberalization and privatization of alcohol sales with minimal public consultation. Already, some 60 stores across the province are selling beer and cider. Expansion will continue as wine starts selling in 70 grocery stores by October 28.

The concerns voiced by OPSEU members and the public alike stem from knowing the social and economic costs associated with liberalizing and privatizing alcohol sales. When British Columbia expanded sales of alcohol to private retailers, the province saw a rise in alcohol-related costs for emergency services, health care, community services, and law enforcement.

On why OPSEU's anti-privatization campaign has been so well received, OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said it's because Ontarians "are just tired of Premier Wynne's agenda.

"She's using alcohol liberalization to distract folks from the other damage she's doing to the province. But once people get past the touted 'convenience' of it, I know support will land on the side of keeping alcohol sales public, and maintaining the model we have in place with the LCBO."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Katie Sample, 613-295-6328