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“Baillie is desperate to create some political wedge issue for himself, but privatization of alcohol sales should not be used as a political football, “says Joan Jessome, President of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE).
Halifax (24 May 2013) - “With over 106 locations throughout the province, Nova Scotians have plenty of access to alcohol, said Jessome. "NSLC stores are modern with excellent products and staff who are trained, helpful, and responsible for keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors. As well, the profits from liquor sales return to the public through government investment in health care, schools and other public services.”
NS Conservative Party calls for liquor privatization
The NS Conservative Party today released a discussion paper advocating for the privatization of alcohol sales that includes what appears to be an endorsement by MADD Canada. However, just yesterday MADD Canada released an 18-page policy paper in support of the provincial liquor board model that concludes with a quote that contradicts Jamie Baillie’s position entirely.
MADD Canada contradicts NS Conservative Party
“Experience in other countries and in Canada indicates that privatizing alcohol sales will increase alcohol-related deaths, injuries and social problems through increased alcohol availability and consumption.”
They point out that even a partial privatization approach will lead to a shift in the mode of operations: “The balance of ensuring public interest and safety is replaced by a market-driven system of maximum return for shareholder value. Public accountability and transparency are lost in the process.”
In MADD Canada’s report, they cite B.C. as an example, where a partial privatization approach was implemented in 2002. The number of liquor stores in that province increased from 786 to 1,294 in a six-year period, with overall alcohol consumption increasing by 8 per cent in that same time frame.
Public best served by public liquor stores, says Jessome
“With over 650 impaired drivers charged this past year in Nova Scotia”, continues Jessome, “the public is best served by these well-managed and trained NSLC staff who help keep the public safe.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE