Liquor

Saturday September 7, 2024

Premier Doug Ford’s decision to liberalize alcohol sales in Ontario’s convenience stores might look like a popular move at first glance, but underneath it is a reckless waste of taxpayer dollars. The $225 million payout to end a contract with The Beer Store just 16 months early is a glaring example of poor financial governance, and it mirrors previous decisions by Ford’s government that have cost Ontarians hundreds of millions with little to show for it.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 7, 2024

Ford’s $225 Million Boondoggle is a Reckless Waste of Ontario’s Money

News: More than 300 Toronto corner stores can now sell alcohol

As the Beer Store, Ontario's largest beer vendor, faces an uncertain future with rumours of the non-renewal of the Master Framework Agreement, citizens grapple with the potential demise of this iconic institution, envisioning a nostalgic Brewer's Retail Museum amid Premier Doug Ford's ongoing efforts to expand alcohol sales to more retailers.

November 29, 2023

While the change to allow alcohol sales in convenience stores may appeal to those tired of Ontario’s restrictive liquor laws, the question remains: at what cost? Ford’s government has pushed through this plan with alarming haste, paying out $225 million in public money to escape a contract that could have expired naturally. The timeline of the decision, just ahead of a potential early election, raises concerns that this is less about delivering a long-promised reform and more about securing votes. The payout not only compensates The Beer Store’s multinational owners, but it also raises the ire of a public that would rather see these funds allocated toward essential services, such as health care and infrastructure.

In addition to the wasteful payout, the plan has led to considerable unrest. Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) workers went on strike in response to the changes, public health experts have warned of increased risks of alcohol-related harm, and the compensation deal for The Beer Store has triggered public outrage. With Ontario already the most indebted sub-sovereign entity in the world, the province simply cannot afford such reckless financial maneuvers.

May 18, 2023

Ford’s history of wasteful spending stretches back to his earliest days as premier. One of his first acts in 2018 was the cancellation of over 750 renewable energy projects, costing Ontario $231 million. The justification for these cancellations was to save money by halting projects that, according to Ford, Ontario did not need. However, in 2023, his government found itself reversing course, announcing a new expansion of renewable energy to meet rising demand and shifting corporate priorities toward emissions-free electricity. These contradictory policies not only reflect poor planning but also saddle Ontario with massive financial burdens.

News: Doug Ford shifts direction on wind power in Ontario

Premier Doug Ford has fulfilled a 2018 election promise to expand alcohol sales in Ontario, allowing beer, wine, and other beverages to be sold in 8,500 new outlets by January 1, 2026, but the process has taken decades due to long-standing industry agreements.

December 15, 2023

The $225 million payout for The Beer Store debacle is simply the latest in a pattern of costly decisions made by the Ford government. Ontarians should be outraged at how casually their tax dollars are being spent to satisfy short-term political goals. What could this $225 million have achieved if spent on health care, education, or infrastructure? In a time when the province is grappling with significant challenges—whether it be the crisis in health care, long ER wait times, or underfunded public services—this money could have gone a long way in addressing these needs.

In truth, this alcohol sales policy may represent a form of deregulation that many Ontarians find appealing. After all, increased convenience and the end of outdated “nanny state” rules around alcohol sales seem like progress. But if that progress comes at such an exorbitant cost, it’s fair to ask whether the Ford government’s priorities are truly in the public’s best interest.

July 26, 2012

The decision to liberalize alcohol sales could have been implemented without this massive payout if only the government had waited. The rash decision to buy out The Beer Store’s contract just to meet an election timetable is as unnecessary as it is expensive. Worse, it highlights the ongoing problem with Ford’s leadership—a willingness to spend hundreds of millions with little thought to long-term consequences or the taxpayer’s pocketbook.

Ontario deserves better governance, one that balances popular reforms with responsible stewardship of public funds. This $225 million boondoggle is yet another example of how far the Ford government is from achieving that balance. (AI)

Friday July 19, 2024

Concerns over Doug Ford's alcohol market liberalization focus on fears of reduced public revenue, private gains, and disadvantages for taxpayers and consumers amid LCBO strikes.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 19, 2024

Concerns Over Ontario’s Alcohol Market Liberalization Under Doug Ford

Premier Doug Ford has fulfilled a 2018 election promise to expand alcohol sales in Ontario, allowing beer, wine, and other beverages to be sold in 8,500 new outlets by January 1, 2026, but the process has taken decades due to long-standing industry agreements.

December 15, 2023

The ongoing strike at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), coupled with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s aggressive push to expand alcohol sales, raises significant concerns about the future of Ontario’s alcohol market and its implications for taxpayers and consumers.

The LCBO, a longstanding institution in Ontario since its establishment in the post-prohibition era, has faced criticism for its monopolistic structure and perceived inefficiencies. The strike by nearly 10,000 LCBO workers, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), underscores deep-seated concerns about job security, wages, and the broader impact of Ford’s policies.

News: Doug Ford optimistic as contract talks resume in LCBO strike

March 4, 2015

Ford’s administration has moved swiftly to accelerate the liberalization of Ontario’s alcohol sales, allowing ready-to-drink beverages in grocery stores and planning further expansions to convenience stores. While these changes were initially introduced under the previous Liberal government, Ford’s approach has sparked skepticism about the motives and potential outcomes.

September 24, 2015

Critics argue that the rapid liberalization could undermine the LCBO’s role in generating crucial revenue for public services. The LCBO annually contributes billions to Ontario’s coffers, funding essential programs in healthcare, education, and community initiatives. The fear is that privatizing alcohol sales could diminish this reliable revenue stream, leading to increased taxes or reduced services to make up for the shortfall.

Moreover, there are concerns about the beneficiaries of Ford’s policies. His track record with controversial decisions, such as alterations to the greenbelt and executive appointments, has fueled suspicions that the push to liberalize alcohol sales could primarily benefit private businesses and Ford’s political allies rather than Ontario’s residents.

News: Restaurants, bars frustrated with LCBO strike as negotiations resume

Today's youth face a profound struggle with financial insecurity and societal pressures, hindering their ability to engage amid a pervasive cost of living crisis.

April 9, 2024

The current strike has highlighted logistical challenges, with businesses experiencing shortages and disruptions in alcohol supply. This has impacted not only consumer choice but also the economic stability of sectors reliant on alcohol sales, such as hospitality and tourism.

The question remains: Is Ontario’s alcohol market truly being modernized for the benefit of consumers and the economy, or is it a scheme that risks leaving taxpayers and consumers on the losing end? The lack of transparency and public consultation surrounding these changes adds to the skepticism.

While there may be merit in updating Ontario’s alcohol distribution system to reflect modern consumer preferences, the process must prioritize transparency, fairness, and protection of public interests. Without these assurances, the rush to dismantle the LCBO’s monopoly raises valid concerns about the future of public revenue, consumer rights, and the equitable distribution of benefits across Ontario’s communities. As the strike continues, Ontarians deserve clarity and accountability from their government to ensure that any reforms serve the public good rather than narrow private interests. (AI)

Wednesday May 29, 2024

Premier Doug Ford's contemplation of an early provincial election, driven by fears of a Pierre Poilievre-led federal Conservative government, is a comedic twist in Ontario politics that sees a conservative leader fretting over the implications of his own party's potential victory.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator –  Wednesday May 29, 2024

Ford’s Folly: The Comedy of Errors in Early Election Antics

Premier Doug Ford's fixation on advocating for free paper bags at LCBO stores exemplifies his administration's misplaced priorities, focusing on trivial consumer issues while neglecting pressing challenges like healthcare, housing, and education in Ontario.

April 12, 2024

In the ever-unfolding saga of Ontario politics, Premier Doug Ford has recently thrown a curveball that even seasoned political pundits are scratching their heads over. According to Robert Benzie’s recent article in The Toronto Star, Ford seems to be toying with the idea of an early election call, all because he’s got the jitters about a potential Pierre Poilievre-led federal Conservative government.

Yes, you read that correctly. The man who sits at the helm of the “Progressive Conservative” party of Ontario is breaking into a cold sweat at the mere thought of a fellow conservative taking charge on the federal stage. And what’s got Ford losing sleep at night? Well, it seems he’s concerned about potential cuts, reduced transfer payments, and the possible dismantling of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s electric-vehicle strategy. Because, you know, nothing spells disaster for Ontario quite like the idea of more electric cars hitting the road.

News: Tory insiders say fear of a Pierre Poilievre victory has Doug Ford considering an early election call  

Premier Doug Ford has fulfilled a 2018 election promise to expand alcohol sales in Ontario, allowing beer, wine, and other beverages to be sold in 8,500 new outlets by January 1, 2026, but the process has taken decades due to long-standing industry agreements.

December 15, 2023

In a move that can only be described as political theatre at its finest, he’s rushing to liberalize booze sales in corner stores to distract us from the impending doom of a Poilievre government. Because what better way to calm our nerves than with a bottle of Chardonnay and a six-pack of IPA?

Of course, Ford’s early election antics haven’t gone unnoticed by his political foes. Bonnie Crombie’s Liberals and Marit Stiles’s New Democrats are seizing the opportunity to poke fun at Ford’s expense, labeling his maneuver as “cynical and self-serving.” And who can blame them? It’s not every day that a premier admits he’s shaking in his boots at the prospect of a federal colleague taking office.

Both Bonnie Crombie and Pierre Poilievre's opposition to the carbon tax raises questions about their alternative plans for addressing climate change, leaving voters to wonder: if not a carbon tax, then what specific measures do they propose to tackle this urgent issue, if any at all?

March 22, 2024

Alas, history tells us that the pendulum swings both ways. According to the esteemed “Underhill balance theory,” when Ontario voters elect Liberals federally, they tend to elect Tories provincially. And vice versa. It’s like a political seesaw, only with more podiums and fewer playground rules. So, rest assured, if Poilievre wins in Ottawa, Crombie’s Liberals will likely triumph in Ontario. Or so the theory goes.

In the meantime, let’s sit back, sip our drinks (thanks, Doug!), and enjoy the spectacle unfolding before us. Because if there’s one thing Ontario politics never fails to deliver, it’s a healthy dose of entertainment. And with Doug Ford leading the charge, the laughs just keep coming.

So, here’s to you, Premier Ford, and your early election antics. May your wine be aged, your beer be chilled, and your political manoeuvres be the talk of the town. Cheers! (AI)

Friday April 12, 2024

Premier Doug Ford's fixation on advocating for free paper bags at LCBO stores exemplifies his administration's misplaced priorities, focusing on trivial consumer issues while neglecting pressing challenges like healthcare, housing, and education in Ontario.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday April 12, 2024

Doug Ford’s Misplaced Priorities

As the Beer Store, Ontario's largest beer vendor, faces an uncertain future with rumours of the non-renewal of the Master Framework Agreement, citizens grapple with the potential demise of this iconic institution, envisioning a nostalgic Brewer's Retail Museum amid Premier Doug Ford's ongoing efforts to expand alcohol sales to more retailers.

November 29, 2023

In a recent article by Robyn Urback in The Globe and Mail, the Ontario Premier’s misplaced priorities have been brought into sharp focus. Premier Doug Ford’s latest attention-grabbing move involves advocating for the reinstatement of free paper bags at LCBO stores—an issue that, while perhaps relatable to many consumers, pales in comparison to the urgent challenges facing Ontario.

Opinion: Doug Ford may not be able to get you a family doctor. But he can bring back paper bags

Urback aptly captures the essence of Ford’s leadership style in her piece, characterizing his approach as quintessentially “Doug-Fordiest.” The premier’s fixation on matters like consumer politics, populist gestures, and trivialities such as paper bags reflects a pattern of prioritizing optics over substance.

October 15, 2021

It’s undeniably true that offering free paper bags at liquor stores may resonate with some constituents concerned about additional expenses. However, the broader context cannot be ignored. Ontario is grappling with pressing issues like healthcare funding shortages, housing affordability crises, and environmental challenges. These are the issues that demand leadership, resources, and strategic vision.

While Ford champions himself as a defender of Ontario families’ wallets, his administration’s actions—or lack thereof—speak volumes about where his true priorities lie. As Urback notes, Ford’s government has excelled at tackling minor irritants like paper bag availability while neglecting critical systemic issues.

The symbolism of Ford’s advocacy for paper bags amidst Ontario’s myriad challenges is not lost on the public. It underscores a larger disconnect between the government’s focus and the needs of everyday Ontarians. As constituents grapple with healthcare waitlists, overcrowded schools, and unaffordable housing, Ford’s paper bag crusade comes across as tone-deaf and out of touch.

Moreover, this pattern of misplaced priorities is not unique to the paper bag issue. Ford’s tenure has been marked by controversial decisions on topics like carbon tax, immigration, and housing density—often accompanied by populist rhetoric that resonates with a segment of the electorate but fails to address complex policy realities.

News: Premier Doug Ford calls for LCBO to bring back paper bags

January 12, 2019

Premier Doug Ford’s advocacy for free paper bags at LCBO stores is symptomatic of a broader trend of misplaced priorities in his administration. While the optics of consumer-friendly gestures may generate short-term approval, they do little to address Ontario’s deep-rooted challenges. It’s time for Ford to pivot from superficial politics to substantive governance, focusing on the issues that truly matter to Ontarians’ quality of life and future prosperity.

Urback’s article serves as a compelling reminder that leadership requires more than symbolic gestures—it demands a commitment to tackling the toughest issues head-on, even when they lack the immediate appeal of a free paper bag. (AI)

Tuesday April 9, 2024

Today's youth face a profound struggle with financial insecurity and societal pressures, hindering their ability to engage amid a pervasive cost of living crisis.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 9, 2024

The Heavy Toll on Youth in a Living Crisis

Loud budgeting emerges as a powerful societal roar against corporate exploitation, stagnant wages, and governmental financial burdens, empowering individuals to reclaim control over their finances and challenge systemic inequities.

March 11, 2024

In the poignant juxtaposition of everyday struggles, from longing for a night out with friends to the desperate plea for essentials like toothpaste and diapers, a stark reality emerges for today’s young adults. We find ourselves at the precipice of adulthood, navigating a landscape where financial precarity has become the norm rather than the exception.

As a generation, we stand at a crossroads defined by a myriad of challenges—housing costs skyrocketing beyond our means, wages stagnant against an inflating cost of living, and an unyielding burden of personal and planetary anxieties. This isn’t the coming-of-age narrative our parents reminisce about, where buying a home in your twenties was an attainable dream rather than an elusive fantasy.

News: Housing, Mental Health & Cost of Living Crises Pulling Youth From Climate Movement, Activists Say

Yesterday’s announcements highlight the challenges of high inflation and housing costs in Canada. The report on food banks shows the growing need for affordable options, while the Bank of Canada's focus on managing inflation could lead to rate hikes. It's clear that addressing affordability, inflation, and social support is crucial.

October 26, 2023

Recent surveys underscore the harsh reality faced by Canadian youth, with a staggering 53 percent of those aged 18 to 35 living paycheck to paycheck. The compounding effects of financial strain extend far beyond mere monetary concerns, infiltrating every aspect of our lives—our aspirations, our relationships, and our mental well-being.

Amid this whirlwind of economic pressure, the ability to engage meaningfully in societal issues, such as climate activism, often takes a backseat. The passion that ignited climate strikes and grassroots movements in 2019 has waned, replaced by a sobering realization that survival itself demands our undivided attention.

The allure of volunteerism and advocacy, once within reach for many, now feels like a luxury reserved for the few untouched by the relentless grind of making ends meet. Miranda Baksh, a leading voice in environmental engagement, encapsulates this sentiment, noting that the sheer weight of day-to-day existence eclipses the urgency of addressing broader global challenges.

April 13, 2023

Indeed, the discourse around climate action cannot be divorced from the broader socio-economic context in which it unfolds. How can we be expected to champion environmental justice when securing basic necessities like housing and food is an uphill battle? The burdens of today—financial instability, mental health strains, and a looming climate crisis—threaten to erode our capacity for collective action.

Yet, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, there remains a glimmer of hope. Baksh’s call for community engagement and education underscores the transformative power of collective awareness. By nurturing grassroots initiatives and advocating for systemic change, we can transcend the limitations imposed by circumstance.

News: It’s nearly impossible to find a place to rent. But retirement homes have room to spare

June 22, 2021

To the disillusioned and disheartened youth yearning for a path forward, there is solace in recognizing that our struggles are not borne in isolation. Each small act of defiance against apathy and inertia contributes to a broader movement for change—a movement that demands inclusivity, resilience, and unwavering resolve.

Let us rally not only for ourselves but for future generations who deserve a world unburdened by the weight of our present crises. In reclaiming agency amidst adversity, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the planet and reclaiming the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

This is our clarion call—to confront the living crisis with unwavering courage, to foster solidarity in the face of adversity, and to reclaim our rightful place as architects of a more just and sustainable future. (AI)