President Thomas: buck a beer a 'cocktail for disaster'
TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2018 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is chastising Premier Ford's buck a beer pledge as a "cocktail for disaster."
"Folks are legitimately worried about finding good jobs, about finding affordable housing, and about their futures," said Thomas. "Doug Ford's response is cheap beer. What can I say - not all heroes wear capes.
"Ford's plan doesn't solve people's affordability problems," said Thomas. "It just unleashes a whole new set of problems."
President Thomas called Ford's pledge a distraction from reality.
"Making booze cheaper may score Ford some political points, but it will cost us all," said Thomas. "It will add millions of dollars in health care costs, and threaten our public health and safety.
"A little delusion can go a long way politically, but Ontarians will have to face the hangover sooner or later," said Thomas.
With buck a beer slated for introduction this coming Labour Day long weekend, Thomas is concerned by Premier Ford's plan to make cheaper beer available just in time for the start of a new school year.
"Every parent dreams of sending their kids off to college or university," said Thomas. "That dream doesn't involve access to cheaper booze during frosh week. In fact, that's most parents' nightmare.
"Long weekends and cheap beer just don't mix," said Thomas. "With more cars on the road, and boats on the water, we're looking at a cocktail for disaster – and beer that's a buck is no consolation for the fallout."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
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