MEDIA ADVISORY - LCBO workers take anti-privatization campaign to Sudbury

SUDBURY, ON, Sept. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) at the LCBO will host another information picket, part of their campaign against the expansion of alcohol sales into grocery stores – this time, in Sudbury.

Date:	Friday, September 23, 2016
Time:	4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Place:	Outside LCBO Store #407, 2400 Long Lake Road

"It's time to take the message north," said OPSEU Local 681 president Jamie Kensley. "The five pickets hosted in Southern Ontario were all huge successes. It's become clear, though, that many people don't know the expansion of alcohol into grocery stores is privatization.

"It's crucial we make it clear that it is, and that it threatens public safety." When British Columbia expanded sales of alcohol to private retailers, the province saw a rise in alcohol-related costs – emergency services, healthcare, as well as community services and law enforcement.

The Ontario government will expand wine sales into 70 grocery stores by October 28. Some 60 stores across the province are already selling beer and cider.

Friday will be the sixth information picket hosted by OPSEU members at the LCBO. So far, the reception by the public has been warm.

"I think Ontarians are just tired of Premier Wynne's agenda," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "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 socially responsible model we have in place."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Jamie Kensley, 705-698-5878